

Ugly Duckling

By Jessica G.Rabbit

#  © Copyright 2017 by Jessica G.Rabbit- All rights reserved.

In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.

#  Dedication

To everyone who prefers beauty over smarts...

#  Ms. Invisible

Agatha watched wide-eyed as the crying, glamazon, brunette stormed out of her temporary boss's office and forcefully pushed past her, making her drop the tall stack of manila envelopes she had been cradling in her arms. They were now strewn out everywhere on the carpeted floor of the office lobby. She knelt down and instantly began retrieving the envelopes. She heard a muffled male voice cursing through the wall that was her new boss's office. She looked up just in time to see her new boss, Heath Brockston storming out of his office and in her direction. He was unconventionally handsome to her. He looked powerful and very pissed off at the moment. Her eyes scanned him from his perfectly trimmed, sandy blonde hair to his well-polished shoes. Her mind felt like it was sputtering. She felt her heart pounding inside of her chest.

He was so handsome and viral looking to Agatha, and in no way, shape, or form looked as if he should be the Chief Executive Officer of any company. He looked like he should be wearing a Spartan warrior outfit leading his troops to some Roman victory. She swallowed hard and stood up quickly, trying to shake the image of him wearing that skimpy, yet masculine outfit out of her head. She was too clumsy, however, and ended up dropping the envelopes she held once more, and almost fell on her face in the process. She felt herself falling, but he caught her just in time. She smelled how delicious he was and could feel how strong his hands were as he helped right her and her many envelopes. She fixed her thick blue glasses on her slender heart-shaped face. They had gone askew.

"Th..thank you," she said nervously.

This was the second time she had seen him today. He said nothing and walked past her into the open bay area after the woman as if their brief encounter had never occurred. Agatha was used to that as well. She seemed to be invisible to the opposite sex. However, in this case, she needed to be because this particular male was her boss for the next six weeks, or at least that's what the temporary agency she was employed by had disclosed to her.

She rolled her eyes and picked up the envelopes once again. This time being sure to place them securely on her desk. She had two more envelopes to go when she observed her boss storming back in the direction of his office. She moved swiftly this time and made sure she was not in his way. He walked past her once more and slammed his office door shut so hard that Agatha was sure everyone on the block had heard it. She was correct in that assumption when she saw some heads turn in the direction of his closed office door.

Today was her first day at Brockston Shipping Company, and from what she could assess it wasn't going very well. She had arrived ten minutes early, as she had done with all of her temporary work assignments, and was immediately told by Mr. Brockston that she was late. Then, he began his mysterious meetings with various gorgeous women. Agatha assumed it was normal since no one in the office seemed to pay it any attention.

Agatha had to admit that the lady she was filling in for was very organized and had sticky notes on everything for her. She had even placed a white envelope on the desktop computer keyboard. It contained a list of memorandums and emails that needed to be sent out on a daily basis. The crying brunette had been the sixth appointment of the day. She couldn't wait for her day to be over. She had a chilled bottle of wine at home with her name on it.

Several minutes had passed. She was sitting at her desk when Mr. Brockston came out of his office. He had his suit jacket back on and looked as if that scene hadn't just taken place. She looked up from typing the memorandum she had been working on to try to take her mind off the fact her boss had completely ignored her. He walked directly over to her. His expression hard and all business.

"What was your name again?" He demanded bluntly.

"Agatha, Sir." She spoke the words quietly.

"I am leaving the office for the rest of the day. If anyone calls tell them I am in meetings all day."

"Yes Sir," she said as she pushed up her large glasses that kept slipping off of her heart shaped face and went back to the task of typing. His gaze seemed to look through her and it bothered her.

Those outdated glasses seemed to take up the majority of her face, Heath thought. She reminded him of a baby owl with her large glasses and oversized gray sweater dress she wore. She completed the outfit with black tights and gray, knee-high, suede ankle boots. He couldn't decide whether she was attractive or not, and the fact that he was even trying to make a determination irked him. He kept walking, and she was once again left with her office duties. She thought it was all a bit strange. Today was her first day. She had expected to leave a lasting first impression that would possibly land her an administrative position here after completing this assignment. It didn't go that way. Her new boss was preoccupied and it wasn't with work. These interviews with gorgeous supermodels only made her feel even more self-conscious and invisible. Her internal drama was starting to become a pain in the neck. It could in no way shape or form interfere with her duties at work.

The phone rang.

"Brockston shipping. Mr. Brockston's office. This is Agatha."

"Agatha, hello, this is Marilyn, Marilyn Deets."

"Hi, Mrs. Deets! It is so good to hear from you. How are you enjoying your vacation?"

Marilyn had interviewed her for the temporary administrative position. Both women had enjoyed meeting each other immensely. They both found out that they shared a common interest in youth outreach programs and became fast friends during the interview process. Not only was Marilyn kind to Agatha, but she also reminded her of a younger aunt, one she wished she had had when she was growing up all alone in foster care.

"I've told you a hundred times Agatha please, call me Marilyn. I feel like you're speaking to my mother."

Agatha could hear the smile in Marilyn's voice at her admission.

"I apologize."

"No need. I am enjoying my time off. Although, I am beginning to run out of things to do. It's only been a day! I think I may need to come up with another hobby. So tell me how's your first day going?"

"Everything is going well, I think. I mailed out the contracts for the zoning department. I called the florist for the memorial service." Agatha hoped she sounded confident. She didn't want to worry Marilyn.

"Sounds like you have everything under control. It feels good not to be needed."

She heard the relief in her superior's voice.

"That is the idea." She jested. "I want you to try to enjoy your vacation. From what you told me, you need one."

It had been over four years since Marilyn had one.

"You're right," Marilyn admitted cheerfully. "And I will. Have you met your boss yet?"

"Yes, ma'am, I have. He was here before me and let me know I was late. I checked the time. I thought we agreed I was to be here at eight-thirty."

"Darn it! I forgot about today. He has some... interviews going on. I'm so sorry. I will be sure to tell him that this was my fault."

Agatha wondered why Marilyn hesitated. What was Mr. Brockston up to?

"It's o.k., he didn't beat me or anything," she said sarcastically.

"He must be having a good day then." Marilyn shot back jovially.

Agatha laughed.

"I don't think so. His eleven o'clock appointment stormed out."

"What !" Marilyn sounded shocked.

"Yes, stormed out."

"I can't recall who I scheduled as his eleven o'clock appointment."

Agatha scanned the large appointment desk calendar.

"A Ms. LeCrew."

"That gold-digging snake!"

"I'm sorry?" Agatha had never heard that kind of contempt in Marilyn's voice,until now. It alarmed and intrigued her.

"No, don't be." Marilyn sounded as if she had regained her composure. "I'm sorry. Let me guess, Mr.Brockston stormed out after her? "

"Yes...but how did you know?"

She heard Marilyn make a loud sigh through the receiver.

"It's a story for another time. Where is he now?"

"He said he was leaving the office for the rest of the day. I was given strict orders to tell everyone who calls that he was in a meeting."

"He is the boss. Around two o'clock feel free to leave."

"Alright Marilyn. Thanks again."

"What are friends for. I mean, I hope you consider me a friend now."

"Of course!" She answered back without hesitation.

"Okay then, it's settled. I will let you get back to it. Call me if you have the slightest problem."

Agatha rolled her eyes in mock irritation.

"Goodbye, Marilyn."

She disconnected the call. Another came through as soon as she had ended the first. It rang two times, letting her know it was an in-house call.

"Mr. Brockston's office."

"Austin Brockston speaking. Where is my son?"

Agatha swallowed hard. She didn't think she would have the pleasure of speaking to the founder, and original CEO of Brockston shipping, Austin Brockston, on her first day of the job. He had only spoke a few words to her, but he sounded mean as nails.

When Marilyn had interviewed her, she had told her about the tumultuous relationship Heath and his father had retained throughout the years. She spoke with her about how Austin thought his son needed to take the business more seriously and settle down. Heath, however, never wanted to forgive his father for the death of his older brother Reginald. She could only wonder what it was like to have a parent in her life. It was something she had longed for since the day she found out she was an orphan.

"He is in an important meeting Mr.Brockston." She recited the words Heath had told her to say a half hour earlier.

"What could be more important than speaking to his father, founder and chief CEO of the company he is in charge of?"

He did have a point in she had to admit to herself, but she still had to adhere to what Heath had told her. She tried to placate his father. It was to no avail.

"I'm sorry Mr. Brockston, but your son gave me strict orders to hold all of his calls while he is at this particular meeting. I will let him know immediately when he is-."

He interjected obtusely "Who the hell do you think you are talking to girl! Listen to me, and you listen well. You have less than twenty minutes to produce my son on the phone, or so help me you will be out on your can so fast it will make your head spin."

Agatha had never been talked to so abrasively in her life. She wanted to hang up on him and run crying like she had seen the pretty brunette do earlier that day. How dare he talk to her like that !The only thing that kept her from doing just that was that she needed this job and knew Marilyn was counting on her to do it while she took a much-needed vacation. After this conversation, Agatha could see why.

"Yes sir," was all she said.

He hung up on her as she said those words.

She took the headset off of her ash blonde hair and set it down atop the dark mahogany desk. She then grabbed her purse and pulled out her cell phone. She locked the desk and walked out of the office while dialing Marilyn's number.

She answered on the third ring. "Hey, that was quick."

"Uh, Yea. I need to locate Mr. Brockston. He left the office. Where would I find him?"

"He doesn't go too far. Try the cafe across the street."

Agatha was in the elevator.

"Ok. Thanks."

"Bye."

She heard a smile in her friend's voice.

She walked out the elevator, past the front desk, and towards the cafe. Once inside, she located him in a far corner in the back of the cafe, reading a newspaper and sipping a latte. He looked approachable, for the most part. He had his jacket resting neatly on the back of his chair. His sleeves were rolled up on his forearms. He was perfect to her. She walked over to him and stood there in front of the table. It was as if he didn't even notice her, and then when he did he thought she was a waitress.

"I don't need anything else, thank you."

"Sir, um, It's Agatha. Your secretary for the month."

He looked at her again. "I didn't recognize you."

For the second time today she thought to herself. "It's o.k." she lied. "Sir, your father called and said he needed to speak to you immediately."

"He always needs to speak with me immediately." He was still calmly reading the paper as if her job wasn't on the line.

She was still standing.

"Please, sit down."

Agatha looked around the busy coffee shop. She pulled out the chair and sat. It felt awkward to her.

"Sir, I need my job."

"What are you talking about?" He put the paper down and looked directly at her.

Agatha felt her tongue grew thick. "Your father said if I didn't have you call him in the next couple of minutes I would be fired."

Heath laughed loudly at that, and everyone's attention was focused on their table. He had a gorgeous smile and straight, white teeth. A smile that could melt the coldest of hearts, and a laugh that seemed to make the room a little brighter.

"My father no longer holds any power at Brockston shipping. He can't fire you."

He saw her visibly relax.

"Thank you for telling me that."

"You're welcome. So tell me, where did Marilyn find you?"

He took a sip of his latte and signaled a waitress to come over. He ordered Agatha a coffee and waited for her to speak.

"Monarch Temporary Agency told me about the position. Your Administrative Assistant, Marilyn Deets interviewed me and felt I would be the best fit."

"More like she sent you to keep me out of trouble."

Agatha knew then he was talking about her appearance. By society's standards, she was considered homely looking. She never wore makeup, not because she was a minimalist, but because no one had ever taught her. Her face was always bare and hidden behind oversized glasses. Her ash blonde hair was in a loose chignon on her head. Her clothes made it hard to determine if she had any curves at all, which was fine with her. She felt so awkward around the opposite sex. Her attire was chic and frumpy, yet still professional. She imagined Heath in a compromising position with a beautiful secretary and knew that, sadly that would never be her.

The waitress came back with her coffee, and they both sipped in silence. Agatha tried to concentrate on the warm drink in her hands and not on her gorgeous boss,who kept forgetting what she looked like, and who she was. Her first day couldn't have gone any worse unless someone or something burst into flames.

"Marilyn is a very good Administrative Assistant.She has been with this company for quite a while. She was my father's and now mine. She is also like a mother to me."

She watched as his features softened as he spoke about Marilyn. She loved how his gray eyes sparkled and how kind he seemed in that instant, and then the expression was gone. It was like seeing the sun appear from behind a black cloud and then go back.

"Angela-"

"Agatha," she instantly corrected him.

"Ah, Agatha, sorry, please, tell me a little about yourself?"

Agatha looked around the cafe. She noticed no one was paying attention to them. She looked back at him.

"What would you like to know Sir?"

"What was your major in college?"

Agatha took a sip of her drink.

Her major had been in music, should she tell him or lie? After all, she really needed the money from this assignment. She decided to lie.

"Business." She hoped he would move on to the next question.

"You're lying." He said as he stared into her green eyes.

"Excuse me-," she was going to continue, but he interrupted her.

"There is no use in denial. It is a Brockston family trait. I can tell when people are lying to me."

She watched as his left jaw clenched.

"I apologize." She put her drink down on the table in front of her and looked into his gray eyes. "I Majored in music, at a local community college."

She watched him search her face, and then he nodded in satisfaction at her truthful answer.

She continued speaking.

"I graduated with honors at the top of my class."

"So why aren't you working in music? I mean, you certainly look like a music teacher to me."

"Excuse me, Sir ?" She feigned ignorance to his insolent remark.

"I'm sorry. I offended you."

"No, you didn't."

"Please don't lie to me. I know I did, and I apologize."

Agatha kept quiet. This conversation was jarring. She had never met someone who could detect lies. It was very odd to her. She didn't know how on earth she would be able to work for him if she couldn't have the subtle civility of being able to tell little white lies.

He spoke again.

"I seem to offend every female I come in contact with today." He ran his fingers through his sandy blonde hair.

He looked tired and frazzled.

Agatha knew she couldn't lie to make him feel better, so she said something her foster mother had always told her when she was having a bad day.

"It will get better. You can't have the good without the bad."

"I didn't expect it to be this bad though."

"I'm sorry you feel that way. I wish I knew what you were speaking about?"

"Oh, sorry. The interviews this morning."

"How did you think they were supposed to go?"

"I thought any number of those women would jump at the opportunity. I was sorely mistaken. Every single one is trying to rob me blind, or worse blackmail me."

"Sounds like a very serious job opportunity you are offering. Is it like a branding ambassador for the company?"

"Uh, yes something like that." He lied.

"Now who's the one lying?" She asked rhetorically.

She hadn't meant for that to slip out of her mouth. It just came out. She saw his surprised expression at her remark,and took a sip of her coffee. The damage was already done. She couldn't take it back. She waited only a few seconds when she saw him smile. She felt relieved that he could take a joke and smiled as well.

"It's a rather sensitive subject. I wouldn't feel right discussing it here."

"I understand." Agatha simply said.

She knew the company had a very strict privacy policy, and she was happy to see that her boss implemented that wherever they were.

Heath looked at his watch.

"It's two o'clock. Marilyn usually leaves around that time when I step out of the office for the remainder of the day. You may do the same."

"But Sir, what about your father?"

"Agatha, I apologize for his surliness. Your job is in no jeopardy. I have to catch a jet to China in a few hours. I will be sure to contact him after I board. It was very interesting chatting with you."

Agatha didn't know what to think of the last remark he had made, so she took it as her cue to leave. She tried standing up, but her purse strap got caught on the metal framework of the chair. She yanked it free, and as she did her glasses slid off of her face. Heath caught them a mere inch before they touched the tile floor.

They were both slightly lower than the table when he held his hand out. In the center of his palm was her glasses. Both were surprised at his quick reflexes. Heath looked into Agatha's face and saw a completely different person without the glasses on. Her beauty took his breath away, and as quickly as he had seen it, it was gone. She had her glasses back on her face, and was walking out of the cafe door back to his office.

Heath did not want to go back to work today. Especially after his ex-girlfriend had stormed out of the office earlier that morning. He had been a fool to even consider her as a possible wife-to-be candidate.

With the other four women he thought he would at least be able to proposition them and one would gladly accept. It would only be for the duration of the merger with the second largest shipping company in the country. They needed to be able to trust Heath's decisions, and a single man had more room to roam,and possibly get into trouble. His father had given him three weeks to find a bride and like a pompous ass, he accepted the challenge. Now, here he was, sitting in a cafe, drinking awful coffee, and talking to a woman he would probably never talked to, but by chance now worked for him.

He still couldn't shake how she looked without her glasses. He couldn't tell if she was fat or skinny under all of those layers of clothes. He recalled her eyes. He tried to shake the thought of her, but it wasn't any use. He was interviewing women who were runway models who wore lingerie for a living, but sitting here looking back, he deduced he had had enough of that type of girl. Heath wanted a real woman. He wanted a partner that would tell him the truth, even when he didn't want to hear it. True, he was, in essence, a human polygraph, but he still wanted to be able to talk to someone, and they reciprocate the honesty, rather than him always catching them in lies. Making him ultimately lose trust in them and confidence in the relationship. The women he knew, save Marilyn, loved to embellish or tell white lies to get what they wanted from people.

Heath had noticed once Agatha knew about his odd talent that she was very honest and upfront with him. He took one final gulp of the bad coffee, got up, fixed his shirt, and donned his jacket. He knew he had to get ready for his business trip. He was looking forward to escaping to overseas for business instead of interviewing all of these flaky women he had once thought were demi-goddesses. He had very little patience and felt like he had absolutely none when it came to these spoiled women. They expected certain financial comforts and allowances because they were beautiful. Heath had paid handsomely in the past for these women, and now they smelled blood in the water and were trying to sink their nasty shark teeth into him. Asking for absurd prenuptial agreements that would make even the late Elizabeth Taylor blush. He cringed at the thought of ever being attracted to any of the women he had interviewed earlier. Yes, this trip was much needed. He could go back to the drawing board and come up with a new game plan. He would ask Marilyn to find him more ladies. He couldn't give up. His career and duty depended upon it...

#  Ruffled Feathers

Agatha was sitting comfortably on her couch sipping a much-needed glass of wine alongside her newfound friend Marilyn. Since her awkward encounter with her handsome, new boss at the cafe earlier that day, she was having mixed emotions about him. He was gorgeous, but he also came across as a very arrogant and self-centered man. It wasn't as if she hadn't been employed by men like him before. She just happened to be extremely attracted to this particular jerk. She took another sip of the sweet tasting Moscato Marilyn had generously poured for her.

"Agatha, I know you said you had it under control, but I wanted to come over make sure you were alright."

"It's o.k. Marilyn. Really. I'm fine. Thank you for coming over. I've endured far worse. Trust me. It honestly wasn't Mr. Brockston, I mean, Heath, it was Mr. Brockston, I mean, Austin Brockston who made me want to run off and cry under a rock somewhere."

That last statement made Marilyn chuckle.

"I'm so sorry about that. It sounds like a rough first day. I'm just glad you survived it." She patted Agatha on her left thigh and took a sip of wine before continuing. "I've worked at Brockston Shipping as an Administrative Assistant for fourteen years. First, for Mr. Austin, who has been retired for two years, and now his son,Heath. Trust me, Austin has calmed down considerably over the past few years. He was not an easy boss. I remember all the staff being so terrified of him. They told me that he had already fired five other ladies before me when I first started at Brockston Shipping. For some reason, I wasn't afraid."

"Why weren't you?"

"I had a lot going on back then. I really needed the job, and my husband, I mean ex- husband had left me pregnant and penniless after moving me cross-country. I couldn't afford to get fired, or quit. I had put my last dime into a dump of a motel forty-five minutes away from the office. I drove a hunk of tin that would break down on me at the drop of a dime." Agatha watched Marilyn smile as she reminisced about the past."Those were probably the toughest times of my life. So you see, Austin was the least of my worries." She took another sip of wine.

Agatha looked at the elegantly dressed woman. Had she not just admitted that bit of information Agatha wouldn't have believed that Marilyn had ever fallen on hard times. She was well put together. Even the casual outfit she wore now screamed sophistication and style. Agatha listened intently.

"I will never forget the day my car broke down on me while I was dropping my daughter off at school. I was so late. There was a woman there named Ms.Warr who covered for me. We never mentioned it to Mr. Brockston, Austin,thinking he wouldn't care. I barely saw him the first two months I worked for him anyway, but somehow he found out about it. He yelled at me to come to his office. I thought I'm going to be fired. He made me sit down and told me I was one of the smartest and well organized administrative assistant's he had ever had, and he would hate to fire me because of my poor transportation. He took out a ring of keys and told me one was to a new apartment, and the other was for my new car that was waiting downstairs in the parking garage for me."

Agatha smiled in surprise at how the story shed such a caring light on Heath's father. She couldn't imagine the surly old man she had spoken with earlier that day giving anyone anything but a hard time. She enjoyed hearing the kind-hearted story of him treating Marilyn so kindly. She continued to listen to her friend and sip the wine.

"Neither one of the Brockston men know how to speak to the opposite sex. They are both obsessed with that damned company. I know you won't be there long, but I just wanted you to know that your job is not in jeopardy."

"Thank you, Marilyn." She smiled at her friend. "I'm so glad you came over."

"I'm enjoying it here at your place. You know this means you have to hang out at my place tomorrow, and you have to bring the wine," she was smiling when she said the last sentence.

Agatha brightened at that idea. "Yea, and we could call it our 'whine session.' "

They both laughed aloud at that.

"I like the sound of that! It's a deal." Marilyn agreed. "I'm so happy we are friends."

"Me too." Agatha agreed.

"Do you have many friends Agatha?" Marilyn asked as she leaned forward and refilled her glass of wine.

"No, not really. Most people don't even see me, let alone take the time to get to know me."

"Agatha, what a horrible thing to say !" Marilyn said shocked at her new friend's response.

"It's the truth." Agatha confided.

"No, it's not."

"Yes, it is. Just today our boss forgot I was his secretary."

Marilyn laughed, "No he didn't."

"Yes, he did."

When Marilyn saw that Agatha's facial expression hadn't changed, she knew it was true.

"When I tracked him down he mistook me for the waitress, and I had to tell him my name, twice."

"Aggie.." She was speechless. She reached over and put her hand on top of Agatha's.

"It's o.k. I'm used to it. It's happened to me all my life. I'm the invisible girl. That is my life dilemma. Who wants to hire an invisible lead, singer? Noone."

Marilyn saw the sadness in her eyes.

"Agatha, you are not invisible. Heath can be a conceited ass sometimes. I don't want you upset because of him."

There was a heavy silence between the two women.Agatha felt like she had said too much. The atmosphere had been zapped of all fun, and on cue Marilyn stood up and spoke.

"Aggie, I'm going to head out."

"Are you sure you are o.k. to drive Mar?" She asked with concern laced in her voice.

"Yes. I will be fine."

Agatha walked her to her car. When they were both standing beside it Marilyn hugged her tight and whispered in her ear.

"I see you."

Agatha gave her a squeeze to acknowledge she had heard her. Marilyn pulled away, got in, and drove off. She felt a tear slip down her cheek as she watched her friend drive away from her home. Why was she crying? She should be used to being the ugly duckling. She should be used to that kind of disdain, but she wasn't.

Beautiful people always seemed to push past her, as if she were invisible. She wiped her face as she walked back into her home, but the tears just kept coming. She hadn't felt like this since elementary school. She had liked a boy named William Taylor. It was in the sixth grade. She had worked up the courage to ask him to the Sadie Hawkins dance. He thought she was asking him for another girl. When he found out, she wasn't, he made it clear he had no idea who she was, even though they were in the same classroom and rode the same school bus after school. Agatha had been crushed, and that incident seemed to set the stage for her life. She silently longed to be a beauty in everyone's eyes. She shook her head from the nonsense in her brain, and her thoughts turned to how Heath Brockston made her thighs melt. She wanted him to run after her like he had done with the brunette earlier today. She smiled as she pictured it, and then frowned when she pictured him catching up to her and running past her because she was invisible to him. She drank the wine from the open bottle and hoped it would help...

* * * *

Heath stared blankly at the half filled crystal glass of scotch he held in his hand. He was sitting on the company jet flying back from China. He had just closed one of the most integral shipping contracts in his and his company's career. He should be happy at his continual success, but he wasn't. He felt uneasy. Uneasy at the thought of having to go back home to see anymore gold-digging, high-priced courtesans he had once considered 'the cream of the crop'.

He emptied the contents of the glass in one gulp and swallowed the strong liquid, which no longer burned his throat and gut. He could now taste the musky sweetness of the scotch. He was drunk. He rarely drank to excess, but the thought of having one more day of those wretched interviews would drive him to madness, and then there was his new temp, Agatha.

Marilyn had waited until after she was certain he had closed his deal in China before calling him and giving him an ear full about the rude and inconsiderate behavior he had exhibited toward Agatha. He had felt sheepish because Marilyn was absolutely right. Hell, he had mistaken her for his waitress at the cafe. Before Marilyn had pointed that bit of information out he really hadn't given it much thought.

After five minutes of Marilyn's lecture on how a legacy Chief Executive Officer should treat his employees, he felt downright low. He had made an assumption based solely on Agatha's looks, and even then he had been preoccupied with another woman.

He had thought Marilyn chose Agatha for her replacement because she was not his type, and therefore, giving him no distractions at work. That assumption was short lived, however when Marilyn explained that she felt Agatha could keep up with his hectic schedule. He recalled pushing past her and those blue eyes of hers looking through him as he had assisted her with the mess she'd made in the middle of his waiting room. He then flashed back to when they both were underneath the table at the cafe, and for one brief second he had caught a glimpse of her without those humongous things she called glasses on. She was classically beautiful, and he found himself wondering what she looked like underneath those layers and layers of clothes. He shook his head as if that would help him stop thinking about her. It only assisted in making the jet spin. He reclined his seat back and pinched the bridge of his nose. Finding a bride was harder than he thought and so was getting Agatha, the poorly dressed, comely lady off of his mind...

#  Are You A Ugly Duckling Or A Swan?

The next Morning when Agatha arrived at work she was pleased to learn she had beaten her new boss. She smiled to herself at that little triumph and set to the task of opening the office for the day.

Her 'Whine session' with Marilyn yesterday evening had made her think about feelings and memories she had tried to keep buried deep inside the recesses of her mind for years. She wanted to thank Marilyn for 'seeing her' but she didn't know how. She would have to figure it out by the end of the day,she thought to herself. When Marilyn had left her home last night Agatha had felt upset, anxious, and lonely. Whenever she felt that way she would write music. So, last night as she downed a bottle and a half of wine she wrote lyrics.

It was still stuck in her head this morning, and since there was no one around she didn't see any harm in singing it aloud. She found her key and sang the melodious song. Her voice was sweet, yet strong. She danced from plant to plant while watering them as she continued to sing the song she had written. She was swaying to the music she heard in her head and smiling when she heard a loud cough. She froze mid-sway and knew without having to open her eyes or turn around that it was Heath. She slowly opened her eyes and saw him.

"Morning, Sir," she said as she walked back over to her desk to put the watering can away.

She was too embarrassed to see if he was smiling at her or not. She couldn't believe her luck. He said nothing and walked into his office. She exhaled slowly, not noticing that she had been holding her breath.

"Agatha, can I see you for a moment? " He called out to her through the open office door.

Her palms started sweating. What could he possibly want with her? His interviews would be starting soon. She walked into his office and was immediately taken aback by how large the wall to wall glass view in his office was. It was decorated minimal and chic.

He motioned for her to sit in the black leather chair that was situated in front of his desk. She quietly sat down. He was just as handsome as she had remembered from yesterday. Today, he wore a gray suit with a sapphire blue tie. She liked the way it brought out the color in his eyes. She felt like she had been waiting for hours for him to talk. He was just staring at her.

Heath was hung over like a son-of-a-bitch. He had drunk a bloody mary along with three aspirin this morning just to ease the roiling he felt in his gut. When he had come in this morning, he had been pleasantly surprised to hear that beautiful voice echoing magically throughout the empty office.At first, he thought it was a cleaning lady but realized quickly that they only worked after business hours. He had to find whoever was singing so beautifully, and when he did he was even more shocked by who he saw singing.

It was Agatha. He had watched her for a while, not long enough to be considered a stalker, but enough to get a glimpse of her when she was carefree. He also noticed the way her expression completely changed from shy to confident when she was singing. She didn't seem the least encumbered by all the layers of clothing she had on. Her voice haunted him. She was a refreshing surprise,he caught himself thinking. She seemed so embarrassed,ashamed, and shy when he had caught her. He cursed himself for making himself known. Now she sat in his office across from him. He had no idea why he had called her in his office. He just needed to make it right between them. He wanted her to feel like she could be herself, and no one would think she was invisible. Today she had her ash blonde hair in a topknot ponytail. She still wore those ridiculously large glasses and her clothes still seemed to give no sign of her figure. He was still intrigued.

"Agatha, I wanted to apologize about yesterday. It seems we got off on the wrong foot."

"Sir? "

"Yesterday I insulted you, too many times to count. I also said some very stupid and unprofessional things to you. I apologize for sounding like a pig-headed bastard. I was wrong not to trust Marilyn's choice to hire you. I also misjudged you."

Agatha thought she was hallucinating. Heath Brockston Chief Executive Officer just apologized to her. She was speechless. She hadn't been expecting this. Not because he was CEO, but because no one ever apologized for offending her, or acknowledged she had feelings. It felt different. It felt good.

"Th, thank you, sir."

"No need to thank me. I am your boss. It is my job to make sure we can work well together and not have any potential issues between us."

Agatha nodded.

"Today I will be interviewing three more ladies and the one that stormed out yesterday."

"Ms. Lecrew," she furnished for him.

He nodded 'yes'. His expression becoming distant, and she wondered what he was thinking.

"Sir, may I ask what position you are interviewing these ladies for ?"

She watched as Heath clenched his jaw and swiveled his chair around to look out at the high-rise view of the city. She hoped that her question didn't upset him. She couldn't read his expression.

"I'm interviewing these ladies because I need a wife. They are all potential candidates."

He had said it so nonchalantly to her, like he was picking a new car and not a life partner.

"Oh."

Was all she could think to say.

She felt like she shouldn't pry. She rushed on trying not to let her awkward feelings about this situation get the best of her.

"Is there anything I need to do today other than what Ms. Marilyn has assigned for me?"

"No, not that I can think of," He said. They were silent for a moment. "Are you in a relationship with anyone?" He asked.

"Uh, me sir? No, I'm not."

What an awkward question for an even more awkward situation she thought. Why was he interested in her love life?

"Why is that?" Heath's curiosity was peaked.

Agatha seemed sweet enough to him. So why was she single? Why do you care? He asked himself.

"I, uh, I don't know," she lied, not wanting to get too personal with her new boss in the short span of time she had known him.

She knew there was probably never a chance in hell they would be together, but even still she didn't feel totally comfortable with him knowing her one and only relationship ended badly.

She watched as he swiveled back around in his desk chair and was looking into her eyes.

"You're lying to me. I thought we discussed this yesterday." She saw the arrogant smirk on his face and wanted to slap him. Damn him and that human polygraph crap, she thought.

"Sorry Sir," She said making sure she sounded genuine. "I was in a relationship, but it didn't work out."

"For how long?" He asked.

His baritone voice was steady. He didn't know why he was asking her all of these very personal questions. He felt an overwhelming urge to pull away the layers he saw when he looked at her.

"Three years," she admitted.

"That's a good amount of time. Why didn't you marry him?"

"Good question." She smiled, trying to hide the pain she felt every time she thought about her past relationship. "He didn't want to."

She felt tears pricking her eyes, and she took a slow deep breath. Heath saw the way her face went ash pale and crumbled so sweetly before him. That was never his intention and before she could protest, Heath was handing her his handkerchief and was apologizing.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I just.." he exhaled loudly, "I don't know why I asked you that. Forgive me."

She dabbed at the corner of her eyes and felt his hand resting on her shoulder.

"Heath !"

Both of them jumped and turned to the sound of a female voice.

It was Ms. Lecrew.

She was dressed to kill Agatha observed. Her black and white houndstooth micro mini dress and matching expensive red bottomed heels were worth more than Agatha's six-month salary. She could only dream of being this beautiful and chic. An ember of jealousy sparked inside of her. She felt ridiculous now, sitting with her gorgeous and powerful boss as his supermodel girlfriend looked on.

Heath immediately began pacifying the brunette.

"Oh darling, it's not what it looks like. This is Agatha, my new administrative assistant. We were just-"

"Darling, look at her. I know you're just being nice."

Her snotty laughter filled the air. At that remark, Agatha stood up. She noticed the brunette was staring at her as if she were a second class citizen.

The silence between the three of them spoke volumes.

Heath pretended as if the remark and the dead air didn't irk him. She was wrapping her lanky arms around his neck and smiled that smile that use to get him instantly hard and continued speaking.

"Oh darling, I hope you're not too upset with me about yesterday. I decided to show up early to talk to you about..." She stopped mid-sentence when she saw Agatha was still in the room.

"Will there be anything else Sir?" She asked.

He didn't answer her. He was too enamored with the woman who stood in front of him.

Agatha felt invisible once more. Heath didn't seem to notice that she had spoken.

Ms. Lecrew walked her towards the door as if she had interrupted them and not the other way around.

"It was so nice meeting you Abby."

She shoved her limp hand inside of Agatha's and shook it.

Agatha walked out of Heath's office as Ms. Lecrew followed her to the door and shut it behind her. She could have sworn she had heard that woman's laughter. Her boss wouldn't openly laugh at her with that lady. Would he?

She shook her head 'no,'answering her own question as she sat down at her desk. He had just apologized for his unprofessional behavior yesterday. She chalked it up to him being enamored by that particular female. Why he was, was a question only he knew. Ms. Lecrew was gorgeous, but the two very brief encounters she had experienced with her showed her that she was exactly what Marilyn had said she was. She was a snake. She couldn't wait to tell her. She would buy a bottle of wine and show up at Marilyn's. She smiled at how easy that idea had come to her. She began typing up memorandums and perfecting the powerpoint presentation Heath was doing for a merger with a smaller shipping company tomorrow when Heath and the brunette strolled out of his office. Agatha stopped typing once they reached her desk.

"Agatha, I will be out for the rest of the day with Ms. Lecrew. Please call the other interview candidates and reschedule them for tomorrow."

"Heath, honey, why tomorrow? I thought you said you had already made your choice. "

"I did."

"Then why do you need to hold any other interviews with any of those other girls?"

"Just a precautionary measure darling."

Agatha watched as the supermodel melted into a beautiful tantrum right then and there. She had never actually seen an adult throw one. She couldn't help but stare at the pair. Heath looked handsome, exasperated, and confused as to what had set her off. Ms. Lecrew looked downright soap opera as she pursed her fake duck lips into a pout. The matte red lipstick making her complexion look flushed. She folded her arms and began tapping her foot as best she could in her high heels. Agatha wished she could look this pretty when she was upset. She watched as Heath gave no outward reaction to the tantrum. He simply waited. Agatha felt like this was something that should have been done in the privacy of her bosses office, not at her desk in the waiting room.

"Fine! Have your interviews!" Ms.Lecrew spat and stormed off, and like clockwork, Heath ran after her.

Agatha didn't know if she was to still follow his instructions. She would have another early day. She smiled at her luck. Ms. Lecrew was dramatic and the ugly looks she gave Agatha let her know she was all wrong for Heath. Heath, however, didn't seem to notice.

What does it matter? She chided herself. He is just your boss, and in case you didn't notice as soon as that lanky supermodel burst in he forgot you existed. She felt her heart sink and once again set to her office duties.

Agatha showed up at Marilyn's home around three in the afternoon that same day. She had procured Marilyn's address from Heath's Rolodex. She punched the numbers into her cell phone's GPS. She had also brought a very expensive bottle of wine as a peace offering for how she had acted last night when Marilyn had come to check on her after the hell day she had endured. She knocked on the door lightly.

Marilyn answered with a bright smile and Agatha was glad she had trusted her instincts and stopped by.

"Please, come in..."

#  Duck,Duck...Goose

Heath sat at his desk contemplating the events of the day. It was late in the evening and everyone in the office had gone home.

So why haven't I ? He thought, as he watched the city's nightlife coming to life beneath him, one light at a time.

Evie was waiting for him at his penthouse. All he had to do was jump in his car, go home, and seal the deal with her. He would be free from his father's ridiculous demands, for now at least. The mounting tension between his father and himself would be considered water under the bridge, if he only went to her and bedded her. She was very eager and willing for this 'merger' to happen. Evie had been trying to marry him for years now. It was one of the reasons they had lost touch several months ago. He had no time for a wife, and felt it would be unfair to bind someone to him when he could only give them wealth, and nothing more. He smiled at the irony of it all. He felt like he was making a mistake when it came to Evie. His gut was telling him not to choose her, to keep looking, but on paper, they seemed perfect together. They made a perfect couple. She would be able to fit nicely in his world. Her occupation was a high-profile jet-setting supermodel. She was in high demand, on and in almost every well known high-fashion magazine. Ninety-five percent of the male population would be enraptured just for the chance to be in her presence. After their shopping trip today he realized she wasn't what he was looking for. Yes, she was beautiful, funny, and sexy, but that's where the buck stopped for Heath. He was no longer attracted to her. Sure, her manners among his peers were impeccable, but the snide comments she had made towards Agatha hadn't sat well with him at all. He had finally seen what Marilyn had been trying to warn him about all those years ago. She came off as a bratty, snob. He tried to pretend that it didn't bother him, but it had. The trouble now was he didn't have the luxury of informing her of her shortcomings at this moment. He had to marry someone. Evie LeCrew was the only option at the moment. He would speak to her later about softening her attitude when being social with other women.

Agatha had informed him via text message that his other appointments declined his offer by simply canceling their follow-up appointments. Tomorrow he had a banquet hall meeting with the owner. The noose around his neck seemed to grow tighter and tighter, but he was confident enough he could escape the hanging. He heard a rustling outside of his office. He looked at his watch. It read past nine. He walked out into his receiving area and saw Agatha bent over her desk rummaging through the drawers. From what he could make out, she looked flustered to him, and he suddenly felt like he was intruding on her privacy. He stood there a few seconds more, watching her disarrange her desk.

He cleared his throat. She jumped at the sound and immediately turned around to see what or who had made it. She saw it was Heath. She was suddenly nervous. He seemed to have that effect on her.

"You startled me Mr.Brockston."

"I could say the same for you. What are you doing back here so late?" He crossed the distance between them as he spoke.

"I forgot my planner." She held up the small green leather binder wrapped with rubber bands so he could see it.

He surveyed her face and saw the embarrassment, and slight blush she could never seem to shake when she was around him. He only guessed it was around him. It could be a reaction she had when any man paid attention to her.He hoped that wasn't the case. He knew women found him to be very attractive. Even still, he liked her reaction to him. It caused the knot of tension he felt in his gut to loosen. Her presence somehow comforted him. She seemed so unencumbered by fashion and dating. Even now she wore a heavy gray wool pullover with matching boots, which wasn't the attire she had worn earlier that day. He was reminded of earlier that day when he had heard her singing. He realized he was just standing there in front of her staring, not speaking.

He cleared his throat again to dissipate the awkward silence.

" I see you've found it."

" Uh... yes sir. I will be on my way, unless of course, you needed me to-"

" No, please, go. I was just here working late. Spinning my wheels. Alone. I almost forgot, tomorrow myself,Ms. Lecrew, and you are going to Haltz reception hall to view the venue for the charity event Brockston Shipping is throwing in the next couple of weeks. I expect you to take down any notes and suggestions we may need to make for the venue."

Agatha was half listening to Heath as he spoke about her work tasks for the next day. She was mortified that he had caught her in her nightgown, poncho, and boots. She didn't know if Heath noticed she was wearing pajamas or if he thought this was the type of ensemble she wore when she was off the clock. Either way, both conclusions were mortifying to her. She saw the disheveled look he wore tonight. His shirt was untucked and the tie that was once tied neatly at his gorgeous neck was gone. He looked stressed to her. She felt an unexplained urge to want to comfort Heath Brockston. He was strong, and she was sure he needed no one, but right now, standing in the half-lit office he looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"Is everything alright?" She asked after he was still staring at her.

She didn't know what to make of the way his eyes seemed to be asking her questions his mouth was afraid to.

He exhaled deeply and raked his fingers through his hair, making it messy.

He looked so good to Agatha, so positively male. She watched as he walked into his office. She followed him. She was surprised to find a crystal decanter filled with an amber liquid, along with matching glasses on his desk. One already held the same liquor the decanter possessed. Heath filled the other glass for her and took the other from off of his desk. When the small task was done he put the glass in her hand and guided her over to the seat in front of his desk. She knew she should be one of two things; scared or pissed off, but she wasn't. She was intrigued. Her intuitions about him had been correct so far. Something was bothering him. He leaned comfortably on the edge of the desk as he held up his glass.

"Cheers." He downed the contents in one gulp.

Agatha thought she was supposed to do the same. She followed his lead and drank the liquor in one gulp. She immediately gagged and coughed as hard as she could.

"Oh my God !" She coughed once more.

Then began taking deep breaths. Only then did the burning in her throats and chest subside,and noticed he was rubbing her back, trying to help her. She locked eyes with him and she felt as if he was staring into her soul. She wondered if it was the same for him. She saw a smile form on his lips and she realized he was laughing at her unladylike reaction.

She blushed.

"There's that blush again," he said smiling, trying to lighten the mood. He took another sip of his drink and spoke again."What's that about?"

His smile and relaxed demeanor only made her anxiety intensify. She wasn't sure why he was being so nice to her.

"I can't help it. It's a horrible habit I wish I could break." She admitted, and began hiccupping immediately after her admission.

He smiled at that .

She looked away so she could gain her composure. She felt like a schoolgirl openly blushing at her Principal, and whatever she had downed was making her insides all warm and fuzzy. Her mind seemed more relaxed. She felt good.

She smiled involuntarily.

"Agatha? May I ask you a personal question? "

She was nervous. What could he possibly want to ask her, and why was she was still here in his office with him sharing a nightcap this late at night? She wanted to pinch herself just to make sure she wasn't dreaming this all up. She had only come back here to retrieve her planner, and now that she had retrieved it she should be leaving. Her actions contradicted her better judgment, and instead of getting up and walking out she nodded 'yes.'

"May I see you without your glasses and the jacket?"

Her eyes slightly bugged at the absurd request.

"Why?"

He didn't know if he wanted to admit out loud that ever since their encounter at the cafe, when her ridiculously large glasses had accidentally fallen off of her face, he couldn't stop thinking about her and what she looked like without them on. To him, she looked like night and day. The difference in her appearance was staggering to him. It seemed as if she was hiding behind the baggy attire and large glasses.

He felt something between them. He didn't want to label it yet, and he felt compelled to . The thought of her naked and in his arms flashed to his mind. He tried to dismiss it, but then he pictured her naked. Would she melt when he kissed her or would she be shy and demure? He felt shook to the core by her. She wasn't his usual type. She was quiet, smart, and didn't rely on her looks to propel her in her career. She had his attention. He chalked it up to the stress he was under. She was unlike anyone in his world, and that polar opposite seemed to relax him. The people he was accustomed to dealing with were loud, cut-throat and wealthy beyond belief. Agatha seemed like a shy introvert who had a gift, and was very protective of it because she knew how harsh the real world could be. He had been that way in his younger years and still was very protective of his family legacy. He hadn't known her long, but he found himself wanting to change that.

"Just humor me." He smiled at her.

Agatha melted at his persuasive and charming smile. Why was she so compelled to have this man's attention? She stood up from the chair and took a few steps back. He was watching her intently. First, she took off her poncho, then her glasses. She lightly tossed them both onto the couch. She heard his loud gasp. No one had ever gasped at her before. She couldn't really make out his expression because she didn't have her glasses on and assumed that his loud gasp meant he hadn't liked what he saw.

"I knew this would be a bad idea. I'm sorry Mr.Brock-" She rushed.

"No, No." He said.

Heath rushed over to her. She could see his face clearly. It was an expression she recognized, but not when people looked at her. She took a step back. He captured her wrist and pulled her gently to him. They were inches apart now.

"Please, Agatha..."

It was all Heath could say, and without thinking he let go of her wrist, cupped both sides of her face and kissed her. Agatha felt a spark ignite inside of her. Something she had yet to experience until now. She kissed him back with fervor. His hands were experienced and she felt that expertise as they rubbed, gently squeezed, and caressed her. It all felt so good, better than any kiss she had ever experienced, but it was with her boss.She felt reality crashing in and she broke the kiss, turned toward the loveseat behind her, and quickly retrieved her items. She pushed past him as she put her poncho and glasses back on.

"Agatha, What's wrong ? Please-"

"Mr. Brockston I have to go. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have stayed. I think it's best if I resign tomorrow." She walked briskly out of his office.

"What? Wait! What do you mean?" He quickly followed after her. "What are you talking about? Dammit, Agatha stop !"

She stopped when she reached the elevator doors. She couldn't bear to look at him. She kept pushing the button.

"Dammit, Agatha! You can't just say that to me. Please, Talk to me."

She remained silent.

"I crossed a boundary. I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to."

"Then what were you trying to do in there Mr. Brockston? Don't you have Ms. Lecrew? " She said the words sharply. He knew she was scared and ashamed of what just happened. He had never meant to make her feel scared or ashamed. He felt low.

"Yes, I do, but," he paused.

"But what?" She prodded.

"I don't know."

"That's what I have a problem with Sir. The ' you don't know' stuff. I really need this job and me-"

He yanked her around to face him.

"Dammit, you're not going to lose your job! Drop it." He watched as she rolled her eyes to his stone-faced expression and harsh words of finality.

The elevator dinged its arrival.

She looked at his tan muscular hands holding both sides of her arms and he immediately let her go.

"See you tomorrow sir," she said as she got in the elevator.

"Please, call me Heath." He instructed.

"Good night Mr. Brockston," She said as the doors closed.

He smiled at her haughty refusal to call him Heath. He found himself smiling at the thought of how soft her lips had felt.

He hadn't meant to scare her, or to make her run. Her beauty had taken him by surprise. He had had a hunch she would be pretty, but she turned out to be one of the most classically beautiful women he had laid eyes on in a long time. Her ash blonde hair framed her heart shaped face perfectly. Her eyes were beautifully shaped and gave her a look of nobility. He saw who she really was underneath all those layers and he thoroughly enjoyed what he had discovered in those brief private moments they were sharing. He cursed himself for kissing her. It was as if something primal had taken over his brain. He had been wanting to kiss her since the cafe he admitted to himself, he could now. He had and she ran. That seemed to be his thing lately, making women run out of his office. He sat back down behind his desk replaying what had just occurred between them.

He smiled.

He wished he was sorry about kissing her, but he would be lying if he said he was.

The elevator ride for Agatha was unnerving. Her body was alive with raw desire and a need she had never felt before. Heath had awakened something inside of her. She felt her legs shaking and she relaxed her body against the wall. What the hell had just happened ? She had never expected Heath to kiss her like he had. She damn sure hadn't expected the reaction she had given him.

It was the right thing to do,she chided herself.

"It was a dumb thing to do," she spoke aloud.

She had been fantasizing about this man since she had started working for him and she finally had a chance to act out on it. She had clammed up around him and made a complete fool out of herself. She wanted Heath Brockston, but somehow this felt wrong. He was looking for a wife. He wasn't really looking for her. He was stressed, and from what she saw in the office, half-drunk. He probably wouldn't remember this tomorrow.

God, please let him not remember, she prayed silently as she pushed the lobby button and realized at the same moment she had left her purse and planner on top of her desk,again. She couldn't go back. She was too afraid she wouldn't be able to control herself around him if she went back. She was in need of a cold shower and a glass of wine. This job was becoming more interesting by the minute....

#  Water Off A Duck's Back

The next day was just as Agatha had prayed and hoped it would be. It was as if last night's incident had never occurred. It was like she had dreamt it all up. She preferred to pretend that Heath kissing her like that, and her making a complete fool of herself was just a dream. She knew it wasn't because she hadn't slept a wink last night, but was more than happy to pretend. She was also happy to have the distraction of accompanying Heath and Ms. LeCrew to view the venue he had selected for the company's annual charity benefit. Being away from the place where it had all went down also seemed to add to her positive outlook. Doing this simple task of accompanying her boss and his soon-to-be wife made her feel the normalcy she needed in her life at this moment.

They stood in Haltz largest banquet room. She held a clipboard with a notebook filled with notes Mr. Brockston had suggested to her as they walked from one end of the large establishment to the other assessing it. They ended their tour in the grand ballroom. Today, Agatha wore a full-length gray sweater dress. It was tighter than what she was accustomed to wearing. Her legs were covered by black tights and matching gray suede knee high boots. She had woke up late today because she had been frazzled when she had gotten home last night, and she had forgot to set her alarm clock for the following day. That helped her in not being able to locate her favorite over-sized gray cardigan. She felt naked now standing in this large room with Heath and Ms. Lecrew, who happened to be all over Heath. She kept feeling the woman's sharp gaze as she rubbed his arm and caressed his chest underneath his jacket. Agatha felt a tinge of jealousy shoot through her, and knew she had to shake it off. He was her boss and that was all he could ever be. Last night was an accident. She couldn't let it happen again. He was a gorgeous, multi-millionaire. He deserved to be with women like Ms. Lecrew. Women who were beautiful and refined. She kept repeating that little mantra in her mind, but the more she stood there watching the two exchange heated glances of passion at one another while sharing romantic smiles amongst themselves, the more she felt jealousy gnawing at her gut. It was enough to make her want to shoot them both.

She cleared her throat.

He looked back at her.

"Right, sorry Agatha. As I was saying, Marilyn has all of that information back at the office. Please pay Mr. Haltz his deposit." He looked back at Evie, "Give us a minute babe," he said while giving her a dazzling smile that even dazed Agatha for a moment.

He was so sexy to her.

"I will wait for you in the car darling, " she said.

She grabbed his shoulders and kissed him passionately to the point Agatha felt physically uncomfortable, as well as angry for having to witness the blatant display of affection. She caught a glimpse of Ms. Lecrew as she kissed Heath. She was staring at Agatha while her lips moved over his. She knew Marilyn had been right. This woman was a snake. She rubbed his face and strutted away making sure to exaggerate the soft sway in her hips when she walked by. Agatha watched disgustedly as Heath openly stared, hypnotized by her cheap trick. Once she left his attention went to her. His gaze felt magnetic and she looked in his eyes. All the feelings he had awakened in her last night were stirring as she watched him close the distance between them. He spoke.

"How are you?"

She felt the connection between them underneath the mask of concern on his face. She tried to shake off the warm and fuzzy feeling she felt when he looked at her. She hated to admit she still felt a little jealous at how Ms. Lecrew had hung all over him in front of her. Obviously, Ms. Lecrew didn't know about last night, and honestly what was there to tell? She had ended it before anything could begin. Heath took a step closer to her and was standing in front of her. She instinctively tried to take a step back, but he once again gently wrapped his hand around her wrist to still the movement.

"I'm sorry." He said and let go of her wrist.

She took a step back and then stood up straight.

"Last night-" he began.

"Sir, really, it's o.k. I would rather not discuss it." She told herself not blush, and she didn't.

"I would rather we did." He said solemnly.

She saw the stubborn look on his face and knew he wasn't going to drop it. He was persistent. She folded her arms still clutching the clipboard.

"I have once again offended you. That, however, was not my intention last night. I merely wanted you to indulge me. I had been very pleasantly surprised."

"Surprised?" She looked at him puzzled.

"Surprised by you," he pointed to her.

"Me?" She repeated, not sure what he meant by that exactly.

"Yes. Your beauty, inside and out. You guard it beautifully. Has anyone ever told you that?"

She felt her cheeks instantly blush. She adjusted her large glasses. She looked at him and didn't want to admit he was being serious. She thought twice about it and realized she knew Heath Brockston well enough to know when he said something he meant it. She swallowed hard. She couldn't believe he thought she was beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside. She also couldn't believe they were talking about this right here, right now.

"Th..thank you," she whispered and he leaned in closer to her.

"Please, forgive me. I was drunk and acted foolishly. I would hate to lose you because of it. I've been under a lot of stress lately, still that's no excuse. "

Even though they were in a very large room, for Agatha, it felt as if she and Heath were not. Her senses seemed heightened with his closeness. He seemed to fill up the space around her and the room became smaller. He stood much closer than she had realized and to any outsider it would seem like they were about to kiss. He had just apologized to her for crossing a boundary with her, and here he was about to do it again. She wondered if he even noticed he was doing it and knew the answer to that question when he took a few steps away from her.

"Please, let's try to forget about it. I would rather no one, especially Ms. Marilyn, not find out about this. She has become a dear friend to me, and I would hate for her opinion to change of me because of what almost happened between them." She could say that honestly.

"As you wish. I will give you all the time you need to tie up everything here. I have a few calls to make in the limo."

He walked past her through a different exit than Ms. Lecrew.

She waited several seconds before letting out a loud sigh and throwing the clipboard down hard on the floor. She was so frustrated and angry at herself. She had to pull herself together. Heath Brockston was off limits and she had to keep that in the forefront of her mind, no matter how seductive he was. Unshed tears stung her eyes and she knelt down to pick up the clipboard. When she stood she took a deep breath and regained her composure. After she paid the deposit and set the date for the event she got into the Front seat of the Limo as work protocol dictated. She actually didn't mind it. The partition had been rolled up so she couldn't see Heath or that diva Ms. Lecrew. She smiled at the driver and he reciprocated and smiled back. She leaned back in her seat. She had to remember that her decision was for the best, but was it...

#  Sitting Duck

It was less than twelve hours before the Brockston Shipping Annual Charity ball. Agatha just knew she would be tackling all and any last minute details regarding the party, and she was very much up to the challenge. Unfortunately, she wasn't that lucky. On the contrary, she was roped into a shopping expedition with that dreadful woman, Evie Lecrew. She was still thoroughly irritated with the situation. Heath hadn't noticed the slight change in her demeanor when he had informed her of what she would be doing today. He seemed frazzled enough over the presentation he had been working on the last couple of weeks.

She had been on the phone with Mrs. Haltz confirming the flowers arrival when she saw Heath leaning in his doorway watching her intently. She couldn't ignore him, even if she wanted to. It was her job after all.

"Mr. Brockston did you need something?"

"I did," he said simply.

"I will get my notepad and come in your office after I wrap up this call-"

"No, that won't be necessary," he said as he walked toward her. He stopped when he reached her desk.

She hung up the phone when she heard the woman on the other end confirm that the flowers had arrived at the banquet hall.

"I need you to go with Ms. Lecrew today and assist her in finding proper attire for tonight's event."

She blinked. She thought she misunderstood him, but he kept speaking.

"She will meet you at the boutique in fifteen minutes. I need you to make sure she picks out something that is tasteful."

Agatha wanted to scream and cry and beg for any other last minute tasks that needed to be carried out, but she didn't. What did she know about shopping, let alone shopping for formal dresses? Typically, she would let someone coax her into something she didn't want to do, but this time she decided she would stand her ground.

"Sir, I don't know Ms.Lecrew well enough to assist her in picking out clothes, and furthermore have you seen what I have been wearing to work? I'm not exactly a fashionista."

"Agatha, don't doubt yourself. You are a modest dresser, but don't think I don't know all your dresses, boots and sweaters are from high-end fashion labels."

She was surprised he had paid that much attention to her outfits. She tried once more.

"Mr. Brockston, I don't think Ms. Lecrew would care for my company on a shopping trip, especially this type of shopping trip."

Heath sat on her desk then. His right thigh was inches away from her forearm. Heat radiated from him and she felt pulled to him. She looked up into his eyes and it felt as if time had stood still briefly.

"Agatha, I need you."

"Sir?"

"I mean, I need you to help Evie, Ms. Lecrew. I will call Marilyn and she will meet you there as well. After that, you are free to go home. You have done an exceptional job putting this thing together for me while I have been swamped working on that shipping proposal. I don't recall if I have thanked you or not."

He once again made her blush with his praises. She also knew he was buttering her up. No matter what excuse she had for him he would still insist she tag along. So why fight it? She asked herself. She opened the lower desk drawer and pulled out her purse. Heath stood, put his hand on her shoulder and gave it an encouraging squeeze.

"Thank you."

His eyes were warm and inviting. She broke their gaze and set to the task of tidying her desk before her departure.

Now here she was, in this beautiful boutique that looked more like a miniature palace than an actual store, with Ms. Lecrew openly stabbing her with her eyes. Agatha knew this shopping trip would be one from hell.

She bit her lower lip so she wouldn't lash out in anger.

"So..Agnetha, Heath sent you to assist me in shopping for a dress? " She gave Agatha a snobbish snort.

Agatha knew Evie was mentally picking her and her outfit apart. It was making Agatha feel like she was in high school all over again. The popular, rich kids had done that to her many times, and made her feel so worthless. She thought about her job and how she didn't want to let her boss down because of her past dealings with people like Evie, so she pretended to not see the way Ms. LeCrew openly disliked her.

"Agatha." She corrected her as politely as she could muster.

Ms. Lecrew sneered at her.

"I see he has no sense in fashion if he sent someone like you to assist me."

She was circling Agatha now and giving her attire a once over. Agatha tried to hold her head up, but her glasses slid and she instinctively held it down again while pushing them back up on her face.

"Mr. Brockston also enlisted Ms.Deets, his personal assistant, to help us as well."

"That old hag has Betty Crocker fashion sense." She balked, and stopped circling Agatha just as Marilyn walked up.

"Hello Evie. I see we haven't lost our ladylike charm." Marilyn smiled.

She had overheard what Evie had said about her to Agatha.

Agatha said a silent prayer of thanks for the backup that had just arrived.

"Hello, Marilyn. So good to see you're...alive ...and... well." Quipped Evie.

Agatha felt like the two women might fight one another right there in the lovely boutique, but neither one moved. They just stared into each other's eyes. Agatha had never seen gazes so fierce and filled with venom. Agatha noticed a saleswoman coming in their direction. Only then, did the two women take their eyes off of the other and replace their sneers with saccharine smiles.

"Welcome ladies! Mr. Brockston called ahead. We have a room and some of our best gowns awaiting your approval," said a perky young redhead. "My name is Jennifer. I will be your style consultant today. Now, which one of you is Ms. Lecrew?"

Ms. Lecrew pushed past Agatha.

"That's me. A pleasure. I know. Is there any champagne?" She asked the clerk.

Jennifer blinked and nodded her head, "I uh, of course. I'm sure we can accommodate your needs. Ladies if you would follow me."

Agatha had avoided shopping malls all of her life and now she was in one of the most elegant stores she had ever laid eyes on. It reminded her of a resort. They walked up a grand golden staircase. Marilyn pulled back and lightly tugged Agatha's hand so she could do the same.

"She is a nasty bit of goods." She whispered so only she and Agatha could hear.

Agatha nodded in agreement.

"Thank you so much for coming Marilyn. I know it was short notice, but Heath, I mean, Mr. Brockston wouldn't let me get out of it."

"Believe me, I think he wants out of it."

Agatha looked at Marilyn not sure what to make of her comment. They reached the top of the stairs and watched as the style consultant dealt with a fussing Lecrew. Agatha smiled and Marilyn smiled at her.

"I wouldn't dare leave you alone with this viper. Heath is a grown man. He can handle himself, but you, you don't deserve her venom, and besides what are friends for."

Agatha's heart warmed at that comment. She was lucky to have met Marilyn. She felt a tinge of guilt wash over her at the thought of the kiss she shared with Heath and Marilyn not knowing about it. She was her friend. She should tell her, but she was also afraid.

"Ladies! I haven't got all day! I have a photo shoot in an hour !" Ms. Lecrew Shrieked out of the room.

It reverberated through the walls and made both the women laugh.

They entered the large suite and once again Agatha was pleasantly surprised at what a wonderful place this was. It was a complete sitting room with a shoji in the far right corner situated beside three clothing racks filled with the best formal gowns money could buy. She smiled at the luxury of it all and noticed Ms. Lecrew wasn't.

"Where's the champagne?" She snapped at Jennifer.

The girl ran out of the room to find it.

Marilyn immediately started looking through the rack of dresses. She pulled out a gold one.

"How about this one?"

Ms. LeCrew was completely ignoring everyone and typing on her cell phone.

"It's hideous," she remarked without looking away from her mobile device.

Agatha wanted to scream.

Marilyn walked over and grabbed the phone right out of Ms. Lecrew's hand.

"Hey ! Give that back!"

"Or what?"

"Give it back you old hag."

Just then Jennifer came back with a bottle of champagne on ice and matching glasses.

"Look at that Ms. Lecrew. Jennifer brought you some nice cold champagne. Let's pop that baby open while we pick out your first gown to try on."

Marilyn grabbed the bottle, ripped the foil off and popped the cork loudly. Pouring everyone a very liberal glass, except for Evie. Marilyn turned around. Her back was facing the three ladies as she held onto the last champagne flute.

"Does Mr. Brockston know you're drinking again?" Marilyn asked already knowing the answer to her question. She turned back around to face them and noticed Ms. Lecrew's murderous expression. It made Marilyn smile. " I didn't think so. You may want to re-think this Evie."

Ms. Lecrew snatched the glass out of Marilyn's hand.

"Go to hell Marilyn," she said as she pushed past her holding the full champagne flute. She grabbed her large designer bag with her free hand and stormed out of the room without looking back.

Agatha looked from Marilyn to the door Ms. LeCrew had just exited. What the hell had just happened? She had to stop her from leaving. The ball was less than ten hours away.

She ran after her.

"Ms. Lecrew! Where are you going?" She asked when she finally caught up with her.

"I'm leaving Abby. I can't spend another minute with you, or that abysmal woman."

She drank all the contents from the glass and placed it on the staircase banister.

"What about Mr. Brockston? He told me to assist you."

"And you have. Pick out a dress, any dress. I could care less about this, or any other boring function he wants me to go to. I have a photo shoot to go to." She walked past Agatha and down the stairs.

Agatha didn't know what she was supposed to do now. Marilyn and Ms. Lecrew obviously hated each other. It seemed like this had been a bad idea from the start. She still couldn't shake the feeling she had let Heath down by not doing what he had asked of her. She walked back to the suite. By the time she entered she was in a full blown panic.

"Why did you do that Marilyn? She left !" She sat down on the plush sofa.

"What? We just pick a dress and she wears it," she said nonchalantly as she thumbed through the gowns on the racks, " Besides she didn't want to be here."

Agatha knew her friend was correct in that assumption.

"What does he see in her? She is hideous," Agatha said aloud. She hadn't meant to.

She watched Marilyn who was still delicately rummaging through the rack of dresses. She took a sip of the champagne. She thought it was delicious and refreshing. Marilyn turned around holding up a rose-gold chiffon strapless gown. It was beautiful to Agatha. She sat down on the couch beside Agatha.

"Evie Diane LeCrew. That's her full name. She was around when Heath's brother Reginald was alive. She was also there when he died. Of course, by that time Heath had fallen out with his father and Evie was taking care of him. Heath was in a dark place then. Gambling, drinking, cage fighting, and she was right there with him. When he finally got help it was too late. She had taken over three million dollars from him. "

Agatha gasped in shock. What kind of person did that to another was all she could ask herself.

"Poor Heath."

"Yes, poor Heath. He still is blinded by her beauty. She came crawling back when she heard he was looking for a wife. She knows he will give her a handsome lump sum and a name once the marriage is annulled. I wouldn't be surprised if she tried to kill him"

"Marilyn !"

"It's true Aggy."

"You shouldn't say that."

"You're right. "

"It's like you said, Heath is a big boy. He can handle himself."

"I think you may be right Agatha. Now, enough of this depressing talk." She took a large sip of the sweet champagne."Try on this dress."

"Marilyn, no, we should be going."

"Why?" Marilyn asked nonchalantly.

"Because Ms.Lecrew has left." Agatha tried to reason.

"Yes she did, but it sounds like we still have to pick out a dress, and you and she are probably about the same size. So try on the dress. I won't take 'no' for an answer."

She put the dress in Agatha's hands, pulled her up from the couch, and gently pushed her in the direction of the shoji, so she could change.

"What is it with everyone not taking 'no' for an answer today?" She asked exasperated as she went behind the screen.

She took off her clothing and laid them gently atop the screen.

"Are you going to the Fundraiser tonight Marilyn?"

She finally had the dress on. It fit perfectly and felt weightless against her skin.

"Goodness no! I'm still enjoying my vacation. Part of that enjoyment is not having to socialize with a bunch of shipping tycoons. Now, Let me see the dress."

Agatha took a deep breath. This reminded her of Heath asking her to take off her poncho and glasses. This time however, she was able to keep her glasses on so she could see Marilyn's expression. She hoped she wouldn't get laughed at.

"Oh !" Both Jennifer and Marilyn said simultaneously.

Agatha saw their shocked expressions. She looked around the room for a mirror and saw it was behind her. She turned around and said the same thing.

"Oh, my !"

"You look beautiful in that dress." She heard Jennifer say.

"Yes, she does," Marilyn agreed.

Agatha couldn't believe her figure looked so wonderful in this gown. Her firm full breasts looked perfect and her slender waist was actually smaller than Ms.Lecrew's. Her hips fanned out nicely, giving the chiffon a look of playfulness around her legs and feet. When she moved the light caught the gold thread that was used. Agatha felt herself smiling. She looked pretty. She felt pretty. A feeling she thought she would never experience.

"I think we have found our dress, Jennifer. Box it up for us." Marilyn had a small notepad and began scribbling on it. She ripped a leaf out and handed it to Jennifer. "Send it to this address. Thank you again. I will let Mr. Brockston know how wonderful you have been in assisting us."

The redhead beamed at Marilyn's compliments.

"Now Agatha, let's go. We have a little more shopping to do."

Agatha hadn't the slightest idea what Marilyn was talking about...

#  Just Ducky

Agatha was standing in the middle of Marilyn's master bedroom in front of her friend's full-length mirror. She couldn't recognize herself. Marilyn had said they were going to stop by some other shops after leaving the boutique. Agatha had no idea she had meant the Ophthalmologist, the hairdresser, and more shopping. She had been afraid to do it, and with her boss's money no less. Everything seemed to be spinning out of control and happening so fast.

"C'mon," Marilyn coaxed, " It's the least bossman owes you. I mean, after kissing you like that, and you still being able to pull off this fundraiser with a clear head."

Agatha stared at her, shocked that she had uncovered her secret.

"So you two did kiss! I knew it !" She was smiling when she said this.

"How ?" Agatha asked with a surprised expression on her face.

"When you left that night to get your planner you never came back, and I didn't hear from you until the next day. You never do that. I figured he was at the office and something happened. I didn't know you two had kissed, until just now of course."

"He kissed me."

"That jerk!"

"Marilyn! It's o.k., really. We got over it."

"You did huh ?"

"Yes," she said, nodding her head.

"Then why do you always blush when I bring him up? You want him, Agatha."

"Every single woman in a one-hundred-mile radius wants him Mar. It doesn't mean that it will happen."

"It can Agatha. Let me help you."

"Marilyn, why are you doing this?"

"Because someone has to save Heath from himself. Someone needs to save you."

Agatha wasn't sure what that meant.

"So c'mon, let's go."

Now Agatha stood looking like shiny new money, in a gown she could have only dreamed of wearing, let alone purchase. Her pale skin glowed from the Spa treatment. Her makeup was perfect, elegant and subtle. No longer did her oversized blue glasses hide her face. In it's place she wore contact lenses. Her eyes seemed to sparkle. Her ash blonde hair was worn down in natural waves. It framed her heart-shaped face beautifully and rested delicately around her shoulders in lovely, soft curls. She wore the dress she had tried on earlier that day and saw Marilyn in the mirror smiling back at her.

"Agatha, you are so beautiful."

"Thank you, Marilyn. Thank you for everything." She turned around and hugged her new best friend.

She couldn't believe how beautiful she looked and felt right now.

"You deserve this, and so much more Agatha."

"What about Ms. Lecrew?" She asked.

"Aggy, don't worry about her. I don't think she will be able to make it. Bad Champagne"

"Marilyn !"

"What? I told her not to drink it. I just slipped a little something in it when my back was turned. That's what she gets for texting her other little boy toys. She will be fine. It only lasts a couple hours. She will be right as rain the morning after the party."

Agatha blushed and felt overwhelmed at the thought of her being left alone with Heath. She shook her head and smiled at Marilyn's mischievous ways.

"No more blushing. You are a princess tonight. Enjoy this. Tell me all about it tomorrow."

"Mar, I'm..."

"Scared?" She finished for her friend. "Aggy don't be. You don't have any reason to be. Tonight is your night."

Agatha looked down at the floor.

Marilyn lightly nudged her gaze to her eye level.

"You are beautiful. Heath would be a fool not to see you tonight. Now, Go. "

Agatha kissed her friend on both of her cheeks and retrieved her chiffon wrap from the bed only to place it across her shoulders. She rushed down the stairs, left the house and got inside of the car that was waiting for her.

****

Agatha had been sitting in the backseat for what seemed like forever, but had only been five minutes. She felt her rose-gold clutch vibrate. She opened it and retrieved her cell phone. She had received a text message from Marilyn.

It read in all capital letters.

"GET OUT !!! "

Agatha rolled her eyes and smirked. How did her friend know her so well in such a short amount of time?

"I'm ready now," she informed the driver.

He got out, walked over to her door and assisted her out of the limousine. She noticed it was the same driver she had met at the banquet hall a few days prior.

"So good to see you again," she said to him.

"Excuse ma'am. Have we met?"

Agatha looked at him wide-eyed. He showed no sign of recognizing her, and obviously didn't recall driving with her sitting in the passenger seat beside him the other day.

"I'm so sorry...uh...no...we haven't. I mistook you for another driver that I ...ah..."

"Enjoy the event Miss," he said,smiling and nodding at her.

She let go of the car door, gathered her composure and walked into the party.

It was a crush. At least three hundred of the most elite and rich were there. She found herself marveling at how beautiful the room looked. It had been transformed into a beautiful indoor garden. She grabbed a glass of champagne from the serving tray and moved in the direction of the crowd. She was standing in the entranceway feeling insecure and a little skeptical about this plan Marilyn had concocted, until she saw him.

He looked like a prince in his black double-breasted tuxedo. She felt her face grow warm and she found herself becoming nervous. He hadn't looked in her direction yet. She took a big sip of Champagne to calm her nerves, and decided to walk over to him. Just as she was about to, their gazes locked. He had been talking to someone, but now he stood there frozen, looking at her. His gaze was so intense that it made her stop mid-stride. He started walking in her direction and they met in the middle of the banquet hall.

"It is you...Agatha?"

She smiled. He had recognized her. She nodded 'yes' and saw a genuine smile form on his lips.

"You look..."

"Different." She supplied.

"No, stunning."

She smiled at that and willed herself not to blush. She was about to speak when a tall, slender man with his short, voluptuous date came up to them.

"Mr. Brockston!" Heath turned around. Agatha stood beside him.

"Mr.Geraint. So happy to see you could make it. How was your flight?"

The tall slender man nodded and extended his hand and shook Heath's confidently.

"It was uneventful. I'm hoping that tonight's event, and the presentation tomorrow will be worth the visit."

"It will be. I can assure you that, Sir."

"Where are my manners? Is this your lovely fiance' your father told me about?"

"Why, yes sir it is." He confirmed, not missing a beat. "This is Agatha. Agatha this is the President and owner of Geraint Shipping, Mr. Geraint." He turned his attention to his business associates date and with that charming smile of his said, "And who may I ask is this lovely woman you are with?"

"This is my third wife, Fanny."

Heath gently took the woman's hand and bowed slightly.

Agatha smiled. The short voluptuous brunette looked like a Fanny. Her makeup was heavy and she looked like a worn down showgirl. Her cocktail dress was a couple of sizes too small. She looked as if someone had sewed her into her dress. Agatha kept her smile in place. She tried not to faint at the fact Heath had just told Mr. Geraint that she was his fiance'. They all exchanged pleasantries. Mr.Geraint and his wife excused themselves to mingle with the other guests. Agatha could hear the small orchestra playing their instruments, and the music filled the hall with the low hum of happy chatter.

Heath couldn't believe his luck. An hour before the party Evie had called him from a friend's house sounding like she was puking her guts out. Just like her to get wasted and not be there for me, he kept thinking. What had he been thinking in choosing her for his wife? You weren't thinking. You were letting your rod do that for you. He cursed at himself. He had called Marilyn, but there had been no answer. She was taking this 'vacation' too seriously. He was panicking, until he saw Agatha in that amazing dress, looking like a perfect summer day. She was a breath of fresh air. She had no idea how beautiful she was and it only seemed to make her even more appealing to him. He had to admit, at first he thought he had dreamed her up. She was haunting his thoughts. He had walked over to her and when he said her name. He knew it was real. Fate had somehow cut him a break. Tonight he would be the envy of the party with the most beautiful woman on his arm, and his company prospering under his hands.

He hadn't expected Mr. Geraint to grace the party with his presence. He had spoke to Mr. Geraint's secretary himself and was told him that he wouldn't have time for any type of social functions other than the presentation he was giving him tomorrow. He almost shit a brick when he saw Mr. Geraint. He didn't mean to get Agatha caught up in it, but he felt like he had no choice. She was his only option for closing this deal and saving his company.

"Why did you say that Mr. Brock-"

"Dance with me." He said, cutting her off and acting as if he had said nothing just a moment ago.

He gently took her in his arms and whisked her onto the dance floor. Agatha had never really danced before. She felt as if she were floating. She looked around the room as Heath gently guided her.

"You're a marvelous dancer." He remarked, giving her that grin that made her want to do whatever he asked.

She rolled her eyes at him.

He put his head back and laughed loudly.

Agatha looked around to see that the dance floor was filling up with other couples dancing and smiling at them. She liked the sound of his laugh. It was strong and contagious.

"You didn't answer my question."

"All in due time my sweet." He spun her out and back into him. She felt his warm breath on her cheek.

The music stopped and the crowd clapped. Agatha realized it was for them. She looked at Heath who was beaming with pride at her. He bowed and she took his lead and curtsied. He took her by the hand and led her off the dancefloor. She felt like he was half dragging her. People were trying to speak with him, but he politely smiled and walked past them with her in tow. They went out the double doors and onto the empty terrace. Agatha loved the feeling of the crisp, cold air on her skin. She saw the clouds of smoke as she exhaled.

"How did you learn to dance like that?" She asked as he stood quietly beside her looking out at the city view.

"My mother insisted all of her sons learn how to dance. I thought you said you never danced before." He looked at her then.

"I have never had lessons, just me pretending in my room."

"It paid off."

She smiled.

He smiled.

It was so easy for him to smile around her. He wanted to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming.

"Now will you answer my question?" She broke the silence between them.

"You wanted to know what happened back there with Mr. Geraint?"

She nodded her head 'yes'.

"Mr. Geraint and my father practice the same business and family fundamentals. They are both a little old school. They believe their children should be married before they run a company. I, on the other hand, do not share that belief. I am perfectly capable of running a company without that sort of attachment," that comment stung Agatha. He continued, "My father told me of Mr. Geraint's need to liquidate his shipping company and sell it off before he goes bankrupt. I think it would be more feasible and more financially lucrative to buy it and add it as our international shipping branch."

"It sounds like a wonderful plan Mr. Brockston-"

"I told you before Agatha, call me Heath, and thank you. I thought so too, until my father told me I had to find a wife. I don't have time to date or even socialize with women. "

"So you put on the interviews with your exes," she supplied.

"Bingo! Evie stood me up tonight, again."

Agatha said nothing. She knew Marilyn had slightly poisoned her and didn't know how Heath would react to that bit of news.

"But you're here in this amazing dress, looking like what I pictured you would. I'm sorry I dragged you into this, but you are a perfect candidate as my fiance' ."

She was shaking her head 'no' emphatically

"Mr. Brockston...I mean, Heath.."

"Agatha, please, just hear me out. You have to help me. If I don't land this deal this could be the end of Brockston Shipping. I promise I will be a great fiancee'. "

There was that charming persuasive smile again. He turned her towards him and rested his hands on her waist, slowly pulling her towards him. When she was completely wrapped in his arms he looked into her eyes, leaned in, and kissed her sweetly. He broke the kiss, knelt down on his knee, and looked up at her. She was smiling down at him, and he couldn't get over how warm and inviting her smile was.

"Will you marry me ?"

Agatha never thought in a million years she would be proposed to, and now it was happening. Even if it wasn't real, it still meant something to her. She should say 'no' and run as far away from Heath Brockston as she possibly could, but that wasn't what her heart was telling her to do. She bent down and kissed him passionately. He wasn't expecting it and the passion from the kiss ignited something in him, and he slowly stood without breaking their kiss. Agatha kissed him until she was out of breath.

"That was one hell of a 'yes'," Heath said smiling a lopsided grin that made him look like a young man.

She blushed. She was now an engaged woman. Somehow that news wasn't as exciting as she thought it would be.

It was terrifying...

#  Like A Duck To Water

One thing Agatha could admit she liked about Heath, at least to herself anyway, was that he never gave her too much time to think about what she was doing when she was with him. He told her out on the terrace that he needed her to play his fiance' so that he could save his family's shipping company. Before long, she was playing hostess along with him at a party she would never have felt truly welcome at without him. Everyone kept congratulating them and asking when the engagement party would be. Agatha just smiled and looked at Heath, hoping the guests took that as a sign of her having a shy, demure nature. She had never imagined she would be socializing with the people she was now, and somehow she couldn't imagine herself doing it without him. He played the part of doting fiance' wonderfully. He always made sure to smile at her and lean in intimately whenever he spoke to her. She would make sure to smile and blush. It was easy to forget he wasn't hers. It was easy to pretend they were more than 'homely' secretary and sexy boss. His hand gently rested on the small of her back as they spoke with various associates, buyers, distributors and long time friends of Brockston Shipping. She heard the clock chime and knew it was midnight.

"I should get you home." He whispered in her ear after a City Councilman walked away from them.

"I have a car waiting-"

"No, I sent your car home."

"When?...Never mind." She said as he escorted her outside, making sure to wave and say goodbye to the guests they passed along the way.

When they were in the limo they sat a distance apart from one another.

He couldn't stop looking over at her. He had been so amazed and proud of her tonight. She was able to mingle and socialize with people he himself never felt comfortable socializing with. She was beautiful, intelligent and he loved every single minute he was sharing with her. He really didn't want to take her home. He didn't want this night to end, but it had to. He had a presentation he had to fine tune. He felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness now that she was playing the role of his finace', at least that was what he was telling himself.

Agatha could feel Heath's gaze in the dark. She had such a wonderful time tonight with him. She couldn't shake the feeling that this didn't feel like a ruse. She was playing a dangerous game. She just hoped she could protect her heart in the process. She had to speak to Marilyn. Tonight was unlike anything she could have dreamed of.

"Did you have a good time tonight Agatha?"

She finally turned to look over at him. She smiled slightly. "I had a wonderful time. Thank you."

"No, thank you."

She saw he wasn't smiling. She knew that look on his face. He was worried.

"Everything will work out Mr. Brock-...Heath."

"You sound more confident about it than I feel. Of course, you're not the one giving the presentation to Mr. Geraint tomorrow."

"Speaking of tomorrow. If I'm to play the part of your fiance' I can't very well play the part of your 'Administrative Assistant'."

She did have a point.

They were at her townhouse. He watched her sit up and look out the window at her home.

"How did you know where I lived?" She looked back at him with a surprised smile on her face.

He thought she looked beautiful, and wished he could go inside with her. He knew it wouldn't be right. She had just told him to keep his distance days before and now she was his 'fiance'. As hard as it would be, he would have to restrain himself. He saw the driver getting ready to get out and halted the driver's movements and got out of the car. Agatha watched as he opened the door for her.

"Thank you."

He looped her arm in his and walked her to her front steps.

He had the strangest look on his face she thought to herself. It was like he was trying to decide on something. "You're sure you're alright Heath?"

"Yes. I am. I will see you tomorrow." He planted a chaste kiss on her forehead.

It tingled where his lips touched and Agatha swayed. She watched as he walked back to the car. It left a strange feeling in her gut. He seemed so distant just then. She turned around, got the keys out of her clutch and unlocked her front door.As she did she heard the car drive away. She turned on her foyer light and walked down the unlit hallway, all the while slipping out of her gold pumps. She couldn't seem to shake the feeling of poignancy she felt when Heath had just left. She had thought they had a wonderful time. They laughed. They danced. They exchanged steamy glances. She had kissed him, but now on the front steps it was a totally different story. It was aloof. Just now he didn't kiss her like she thought he would. It was strange. No more than forty-eight hours ago she was telling him not to kiss her, and now she was wishing he had. She knew in public that was to be expected, but now being alone with him she knew he was trying to respect her boundaries. The only problem was she was starting to question them. She felt silly. She had been right. She was playing a dangerous game.

The next morning Agatha awoke to the sound of her cell phone alarm. She turned it off doing her usual routine, which consisted of hitting the snooze button, stretching and wracking her brain of the tasks for the day. Memories of last night came rushing back to her. The dancing. The kissing. The fake engagement. She sat up and threw her covers back. She grabbed her phone. She saw she had three missed phone calls. She checked her text messages and saw she had missed one from Marilyn. It had been sent thirty minutes ago, telling her to come to the office as soon as she read the message. She got out of bed and went into motion before she could think it through.

Thirty minutes later she arrived at her job. She didn't feel the same about it however. She looked different. She felt different. Her job description had changed. She took a deep breath and entered the building. The security officer at the front desk, Lars stopped her.

"Excuse me, ma'am, visitors have to check in."

She smiled at that remark. She had been walking past this front desk and this exact security guard for the past week and a half. In all that time he had never bothered to ask if she worked here. She smiled at what a difference a make over could do. Today, she wore a white peplum blouse with a red pencil skirt, and matching pumps. She once again wore her hair down. Her makeup was simple. She wore black eyeliner and matte red lipstick. She couldn't help but feel like she had transformed overnight into a different woman, and Lars not recognizing her validated that belief. She opened her red designer handbag and pulled out her temporary employee badge. She tried not to smile as the officer's eyes shifted from the picture on the i.d. and back at the woman standing before him.

"I was having a bad picture day." She offered.

He smiled back sheepishly.

"I apologize for the inconvenience have a great day."

He handed her back her card, and she walked on.

When she arrived in Heath's lobby she saw the lady from the party last night, Mrs.Geraint. The lady's face seemed to lighten up when she saw Agatha. Agatha smiled back and the woman stood up and walked over to her. She looked at the empty desk behind her and wondered who would be filling in for her today.

"Oh Agatha, darling, I enjoyed your company immensely at last night's ball. Those Brockston men sure know how to put on a grand party don't they? You and Heath are made for each other."

Agatha didn't know about all that, but she smiled anyway, because it seemed to calm her.

"Thank you Mrs. Geraint."

"Oh please, call me Fanny. Just because our husbands are doing cut throat business deals doesn't mean we have to be ice queens to one another. Oh, I'm sorry, you're not married yet."

Just then Heath's office door opened. Marilyn stepped out first, along with Heath and Mr. Geraint. Both men looked stone faced. Fanny walked over to her husband and put her hand on his chest. Heath walked over to her. He put his arms around her waist and kissed her on her cheek. It instantly made her smile.

"Honey, so glad that you are here. Sorry I didn't wake you when I left the condo."

She looked at him blankly at the comment and regained her composure.

"Yes darling, that's quite alright." She lied, following his lead. "How did the presentation go?"

"I think we should all get drinks." Randomly interjected Fanny.

"Darling, this is my business associate I can't just go get a drink with him in the middle of a major business deal."

"Yes you can husband, and you will. I want to spend time with Agatha."

Heath had no idea that one of the most ruthless shipping merchants was wrapped around his wife's finger. He prayed that would never happen to him.

"Please," Fanny whimpered one more time and pouted her fake collagen lips.

Mr. Geraint huffed and blustered, "Oh Fanny, baby, you know I can't say no to you."

Like a child Fanny clapped her hands together and kissed her husband on the lips.

"I know just the place I've been dying to try..."

#  Duck's Guts

The two couples sat at a small table inside of a quaint karaoke bar called 'Pipes'. Smoke filled the air, and the dim lighting made it seem like they were inside of an old refurbished jazz club.

"Fanny, why did you pick this god-awful place?" Mr. Geraint asked as he took a sip of the scotch he had ordered.

"Well daddy, they are known for their quality cocktails, ribs, and amatuer singers. Three things I love, and since I'm in good company and I know we won't be staying long," she trailed off and then exclaimed, "I found me a friend daddy !"

She grabbed Agatha's hand and gave it a light squeeze.

Both men rolled their eyes.

Agatha honestly didn't remember talking to Fanny at the party. She recalled being introduced to her, but nothing more. Fanny seemed to believe that they had, and who was Agatha to stop someone from wanting to be her friend. She looked different on the outside. Why not try being different on the inside as well. She needed friends like everyone else.

"Thank you, Fanny. This was a great lunch idea." Agatha took a sip of her gigantic margarita. It tasted divine, and she smiled.

"Slow down on that. It's not even noon yet." Heath teased, as he held her hand on top of the table. He stared at her intently.

"It's noon somewhere!" Fanny said laughing.

Agatha took another sip of the drink so she wouldn't blush.

The waitress brought them a slab of barbecued ribs and more drinks. They all had to admit Fanny had been right. The food here was excellent, the waitstaff friendly, and the people who sang on stage were all amazing vocalists. All four clapped as a young male stepped down from singing a Creed song.

"I'll be right back. I have to powder my nose." Fanny said randomly, " Agatha, you stay here."

Agatha nodded 'yes' and watched as Fanny went in the direction of the bathroom. She had finished half of her giant margarita and was having a good time. She was glad Fanny had been so outspoken about them going to lunch, especially here.

Heath was rubbing her back gently as he and Mr.Geraint discussed football. She heard a familiar woman's voice on the microphone, looked up, and saw it was Fanny. She almost choked on her drink.

"Testing. O.k., this is for you baby," she said pointing at Mr. Geraint as the music started.

Mr. Geraint gave no outward expression. He just sat there, staring at his wife on stage. Fanny was no doubt, one of the worst singers Agatha had come across. She did a horrible rendition of Waterfalls. When she wasn't singing loudly into the mic, she was holding it as far away as she could, with a very serious facial expression. Agatha did her best not to laugh too much. Fanny seemed to have a good heart. She was fun and seemed like she genuinely cared about her husband. She was her friend now and she could never tell her friend she was a dreadful vocalist because the truth would hurt her.

The crowd applauded minutes later as she ended the song, and she spoke once more in that breathy voice of hers.

"Now Agatha, it's your turn."

Agatha's heart went into her feet. Her eyes begin to water. She was a nervous wreck. She didn't know if she could do it. Her lack of confidence had been a big reason why she hadn't become a famous singer. She had horrible stage fright. Her hands began to sweat. Heath felt her shaking beneath his touch and knew she was beyond nervous. He had no idea why. She was a beautiful singer. He didn't want her to lose whatever nerve she had.

"Honey, what song are you going to sing?" Heath gauged her.

"I'm not. I'm not singing," she said in a clipped,curt tone.

"But you should."

"Why?"

"Because my darling, the whole world needs to hear you sing. Your voice is heaven."

She rolled her eyes at that comment. He had to say that to her she thought to herself. No he doesn't' she conceded.

"She needs encouragement ladies and gentleman," the house Karaoke Dj chimed in.

The audience began to clap. She shook her head 'no'. Heath smiled that ridiculously persuasive smile and gently stood up with her.

"I'll go with you," he announced. "You can do this."

Agatha was nervous as hell, but the way Heath was looking at her, with such tender affection and confidence, she felt like she could take on a mountain lion. He laced his fingers in hers and they walked on the stage together. The Dj nodded at them both.

"I have the perfect song for these two love birds," he blared over the p.a. system.

Agatha saw the audience and again froze with trepidation. Her mind was drawing a complete blank. She wanted to leave. She was getting anxious again. Her stage fright was kicking in. She saw Heath's face. He was smiling at her.

"Are you o.k.?" He asked, not realizing they could be heard by the audience.

She glanced quickly at the audience and then back at Heath. She shook her head 'no'.

"I know just the thing."

She looked at him with pleading eyes.

"A kiss, for luck."

Before she could protest his mouth was on top of hers and she forgot about the cheering audience or the spotlight that shined brightly on them. His kiss dimmed everything and everyone around them. It was like they were the only ones that existed in that moment. He broke the kiss that felt like minutes had gone by( It was only for a few seconds), and nodded at the Dj to play the song. She smiled at the selection. She knew it well, and wondered would Heath. It was a Christmas favorite of hers. They both picked up microphones. She started.

"I really can't stay," she sang as she walked away.

"Baby it's cold outside," he sang and playfully pulled her to him.

"I've got to go away," she released her hand from his grasp as she sang.

"Baby it's cold outside," he sang back as he took her hand once more in his.

Agatha thought he had a nice, strong voice. It was a rich baritone. It didn't surprise her the least that he was good at singing. He seemed to be great at everything else. She knew he wasn't a professional and was doing this just for her. It made her heart skip a beat. She smiled and she sang on.

"This evening has been."

"Been hoping that you'd drop in," he leaned in to kiss her hand.

"So very nice," She pulled it away just before he could.

She heard the audience laugh at that.

They were in sync every step of the song. Agatha didn't know whether to be pleased or freaked out. Either way she was enjoying it immensely. He was smiling at her and she was smiling right back. Before she knew it the song was over. She looked out in the audience once more. She was no longer nervous and she noticed every single person was standing on their feet clapping. She was humbled and turned to look at Heath who was loving every second of the applause. It made her laugh. He bowed over and over again dramatically and then took her hand raised it up and had her step forward. The audience whistled, howled and chanted even louder than before.

"Encore! Encore! "

She turned to him. He gently rubbed her cheek.

"Told you. Your voice is like heaven. Give them what they want. I will be waiting."

She felt her nerves melt away. She spoke to the audience.

"Thank you. For my next song, I picked 'Get here' by Regina Bell."

The Dj gave her a thumbs up and the music began. She closed her eyes because she had sung this song so many times before. She had always dreamed someone would rescue her from the monotony of her life. She had always pictured a prince charming doing all the things she sang about in this song. That Prince charming was Heath, and she closed her eyes as she started the song.

" You can reach me by railway. You can reach me on an airplane. You can reach me with your mind...You can reach me by a caravan. Cross the desert like an Arab man. I don't care how you get here, just Get here if you can..."

She sang the song as if no one was watching and she could only hear her voice and the instrumental music playing. The room was silent except for her voice and the music.

Heath stood beside the stage with goosebumps all over his body. Agatha's voice. It was so haunting, yet beautiful. It sounded way beyond her years. She sang the song with such longing and despair. It made him want to comfort her and to let her know he was there for her. He loved hearing it. He looked out at the audience. They all were completely mesmerized. It was like she was a siren. When the song was done once again the audience stood on their feet and howled their approval.

Agatha graciously bowed and saw Heath waiting for her. He assisted her down the stairs of the stage and they sat back down with the Geraint's.

Fanny was still clapping when Agatha sat down, and Mr. Geraint slapped Heath on his back hard.

"That was a good show old boy," Mr. Geraint said to Heath wiping his greasy hands on a wet napkin.

"Thank you, Sir. I try to be accommodating to my fiance'." He said those playful words as he smiled at Agatha.

Agatha saw the desire in his eyes and a sparkle of something she couldn't recognize and before she could say anything Fanny spoke again.

"You two are a perfect match. You both sing and dance. I'm just so jealous." She feigned exasperation.

Agatha laughed.

Fanny smiled and then they both laughed.

They finished up their lunch and arrived back at the office. They were standing in Heath's office lobby.

Marilyn was sitting at the desk typing. She looked up and smiled cordially at everyone.

"Mr. Brockston, it has been an interesting day," Mr. Geraint furnished. "Hopefully tomorrow will be more eventful." He extended his hand and shook Heath's with a vice grip.

"Likewise," he agreed as he picked up the missed messages from Marilyn's desk and walked into his office.

Mr. Geraint Went over to Agatha who was standing, arm in arm with his wife.

"Ms. Agatha, it has been a pleasure making your acquaintance today. My wife is quite the judge of character."

He gently shook her hand and exited the office. It was just her and Fanny now.

"They do love to make dramatic exits don't they?" She asked with a humorous grin on her face.

Agatha couldn't help but smile along with this sweet woman and nodded her head 'yes'.

"Sounds like we will be staying an extra day. How does tennis sound tomorrow? I'm just dying to see you and Heath in those skimpy shorts and skirt." She giggled and before Agatha could protest, Fanny kissed her on her cheek and walked out of the office lobby.

Agatha sat down on the couch. She looked up to see Marilyn typing with a funny grin on her face.

"What?" Agatha said.

"Are you having fun yet?" Marilyn said.

Agatha smiled. When she stopped and thought about the miraculous change in her life in less than a twenty-four hour period, yes, she was having fun. It was like she was rediscovering herself and people all over again in some strange way. Heath Brockston was absolutely perfect to her. She really could end up falling in love with him. She stood up and walked into Heath's office closing the door behind her.

"Did you enjoy our lunch today?" He asked. He was sitting at his desk already working.

"Yes...I wasn't expecting it."

"Ah, that's Fanny. She has taken quite a shining to you. A bonus for me in business."

Yes, business. This whole thing is about the business she reminded herself silently.

"Mr. Geraint on the other hand, he refused my offer before I could give the presentation."

"What !" She leaned forward on the edge of the chair she was sitting in.

"Fanny knows, I think, and since she likes you she may soften him up to my proposal. Which reminds me to ask who came up with the idea to have us sing? You can tell me if you put Fanny up to it."

He was smiling now. She enjoyed the way he looked at her. So caring and warm. He really had enjoyed lunch with Agatha and the Geraint's. It was so uncouth and out of the ordinary for him. He felt proud of Agatha today. They showed once again they had great chemistry together. She overcame a fear and he was there for her. He smiled to himself.

Agatha looked at him blankly she had no idea what he was talking about. He thought she put Fanny up to this? She wished she could take the credit, but the truth was she was far too shy to sing in front of one person, let alone the people she sang in front of today.

"I didn't."

"You didn't," he agreed, knowing she was telling the truth the moment the words slipped out of her mouth. Her honesty always seemed to catch him off guard.

"She says we are playing tennis tomorrow."

She saw Heath found that tidbit of information amusing.

"Do you play Tennis?" He asked as he got up from his desk and walked over to her.

"Not since high school. I may be a little rusty."

"Don't take it so serious. It's just a friendly game. Business associates do it all the time. Do you have everything you need for tomorrow?"

"No, I don't own any tennis gear."

"Here, take my credit card and go shopping. Buy as much as you need," He reached in his wallet and pulled out his black American Express card and put into her hands. "There is something else I think we need to discuss."

"What is that?"

"You moving in with me."

"When?"

"Immediately."

She stood up. This was a little more than what she planned for. She didn't mind being his fiance' in front of others, but living with him, it could get steamy, fast. She felt conflicted.

"Don't you think we are moving too fast Heath? You just proposed to me last night. I'm not really accustomed to that idea yet." She hoped she didn't sound as nervous as she felt when she had said that.

"No, I don't." He walked over to her, "I mean, technically, I have been engaged to you for two months now."

"What?" she gasped.

"Yes, I told my father I was secretly engaged to a lovely mystery woman, and when I felt the time was right I would introduce you to my friends and business associates. Last night was the business side. Soon it will be family. Trust me, it's time. You will have your own bedroom."

She looked at him, suspicious of his words.

"In another part of the house. Please, Agatha, Let's see this through."

He embraced her and whispered in her ear.

"Don't you like being with me?"

"That's the problem."

"It's only a problem if you let it be one." He lightly nudged her chin so she was looking up into his eyes. "I gave you my word at that banquet hall I would be a perfect gentleman towards you and never lose my cool. You decided to kiss me at the fundraiser. I'm a man. I kissed you back. Today I used it as a distraction. I'm sorry Agatha, this is the best way to see this plan through."

She knew everything he had just said was right. He hadn't touched her improperly since. It had all been her. She could trust him. She took the credit card from his hand.

"I will get some of my things from my place."

She watched his face light up. He smiled that irresistible smile that made her want to kiss it off of his rugged face. He picked her up and twirled her around. They were smiling at one another when Heath's office door burst open and in walked Evie LeCrew, with Marilyn in tow. The smile on Agatha's face froze as she saw Ms. LeCrew coming straight for her.

"You ugly, sneaky, little bitch !" She screamed at Agatha.

Agatha put her hands up to protect herself from the assault. Heath stepped in the way.

"Mr. Brockston, sir, I'm sorry she just ran in her-" Rushed Marilyn as she ran behind Evie.

He cut Marilyn off, "It's quite alright. You may leave us."

"Sir?"

"You heard me Marilyn. Leave us."

Marilyn turned a shade of sick green and Agatha dreaded to think what was going to unfold in Heath's office. Marilyn shut the door. Heath grabbed Ms. LeCrew roughly by her arm and sat her down hard in a chair.

"Apologize to Agatha." He demanded. His tone was no nonsense.

"No ! I will not apologize to that...that whore !"

"Agatha is her name! You will not speak about her, or to her like that to me or anyone else do you understand?"

"Heath what the hell is going on here ?" She burst into tears.

Agatha felt like this was a spectacle she would rather not be apart of and decided to leave.

"I think you two have a lot to discuss. I'm sorry Ms. Lecrew." She meant that.

She could see the hurt in the woman's bloodshot eyes. She hadn't meant to hurt anyone. She felt bad now for the plan she had helped Marilyn see through.

Heath nodded his head, "I will see you later Agatha. At home."

Ms. Lecrew cried louder at that statement, making Agatha roll her eyes as she shut the office door behind her.

Marilyn perked up when she saw her friend come out of her bosses office unscathed.

"Is everything o.k. in there?" Marilyn whispered and pointed to Heath's office.

"I think it will be."

"She came out of nowhere."

"She looks horrible. When she saw us hugging she looked like she wanted to murder me. She lost it. I feel so bad about this Mar."

"What ?" Marilyn placed her hand on Agatha's cheek. The last thing she wanted was her new best friend to feel bad. "That was never my intention. Besides, Evie has always been like that. Please don't blame yourself."

"I have the funniest feeling if what happened last night hadn't she still wouldn't be the one moving into his home."

"You're moving in with him!" Marilyn smiled wildly at the surprising news.

"Stop it." Agatha chuckled.

"Sounds pretty serious. Are you o.k.with this?"

"I have to be. It's a part of the deal. Right?"

"Right."

"And so is this." Agatha pulled out his credit card.

Both ladies burst into laughter...

#  Duck Egg

Heath watched as Agatha closed his office door shut behind her. He wished he could leave with her, and leave Evie to her tantrum alone. He knew the tantrums were fake. For some reason, that use to appeal to him. Now,watching her dab at the corner of her bloodshot eyes and sniffling pitifully, he wondered how he had ever been under her spell for so many years. He looked at her now. She wasn't the fresh-faced beauty he had fallen for years ago. She had dark circles under her eyes. Her lips were dry. Her makeup was nonexistent. Looking at her now Heath couldn't recall if he had ever seen her without makeup. She stood up and walked over to him.

"Heath, darling, you can't possibly be serious. "

"Can't I ?"

"Heath..."

"You stood me up, Evie."

"No! Wait ....I didn't those two bitches poisoned me !"

"Dammit Evie !"

"Heath, I'm Serious! They poisoned my drink at the boutique."

"What drink Evie? The boutique doesn't serve alcohol unless... You said no more drinking ! Dammit, I've heard enough! Agatha wouldn't harm a fly !"

"Heath, I just needed a drink to calm my nerves. They were making me feel uncomfortable and that bit-" She saw the tense look on his face and changed her mind about calling Marilyn the 'b' word.

He watched as fresh tears filled her almond-shaped eyes. He couldn't tell if she was lying or being truthful to him now.It was as if her theatrics dimmed his ability to tell if she was being truthful. His past dealings with Evie were much similar to this, tears and accusations. She never took responsibility for her actions. She loved playing the distraught damsel whenever he was around. She loved to playing mind games with men, especially him. He wasn't sure if this was one now. Alcohol and money had changed Evie. Hell, between his brother Reginald's death and Evie almost depleting his entire inheritance he had changed dramatically from a cut throat cage fighter to a ruthless C.E.O. He never once blamed her, and even now looking at her, so manic, he still couldn't bring himself to. He knew she believed her own melodrama. The emotions he felt about her currently were anything but warm and fuzzy.

She claimed Marilyn and Agatha had poisoned her. From his short personal experience with Agatha he knew that was an untrue statement. He had known Marilyn for almost twelve years, and even though she had said some very nasty things about Evie, Heath knew Marilyn wouldn't physically harm anyone. He could only chalk it up to Evie not wanting to take responsibility for drinking too much at the boutique. Agatha had looked downright uncomfortable when Evie was about to attack her.

Evie closed the space between them and lightly brushed up against his body. In the past, when she would do that he would want her instantly. It would drive him insane, but now as she traced her manicured fingers over his hard six-pack stomach through his tailored shirt, it only made him feel like he was betraying Agatha. He only wanted her touch. As if Evie knew it, she stopped and pulled her hand back.

"I feel terrible about this whole thing. I'm here now to make it up to you." She cooed once more and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Let me make it up to you."

She stood on her tiptoes and planted a wet kiss on his lips. He didn't reciprocate. She stood back a few inches to see his expression. There was none.

"Evie, please, it's too late. I think it's best that you leave." He pulled her arms from around his neck.

He watched as her face crumbled from defeat to anger.

"It's too late!" She was screaming. "You asked me to marry you before that ...Agatha." She calmed her breathing down. "Heath we have been together since Reginald."

"Reginald is dead! "

Her eyes bulged and she swallowed nervously. She had never seen that dark look on Heath's face directed at her before.

"I'm sorry, baby you need me...We need each other... I'm here for you. "

"Evie don't."

"Don't what? Tell you the truth? Haven't I?"

He felt an overwhelming urge to be done with this conversation and home with Agatha. He rolled his eyes and slowly paced the length of his office. He said nothing to her, just stood there and watched as Evie stepped forward and slapped him hard across his face. He knew she did it to get a rise out him. He had to admit it stung. He didn't flinch, he spoke instead.

"Goodbye, Evie."

She stormed out of his office for the last time, and he was so happy he didn't have to go chase after her...

Agatha was making dinner when Heath walked into his home. He was surprised to find her singing and dancing in the kitchen as she cooked. He was even more surprised that it smelled delicious. He couldn't remember the last time he had cooked in his own home, let alone anyone else for that matter.

He leaned against the kitchens doorframe with his briefcase and suit jacket still in hand. He was mesmerized by her once more. She looked comfortable and carefree like she was at home. She wasn't wearing that sexy outfit she wore to the office earlier. She had changed into faded, worn jean shorts and a white halter top. Her hair was in a ponytail and she was barefoot. There was latin music playing on the radio. She looked comfortable and carefree in his home, like she belonged there. He realized he wanted her right then and there. That sudden thought rocked him to his core. He dropped his briefcase. The sound of it hitting the marble floor startled her. She stopped chopping onions and smiled at him. Her smile made his mind turn into mush.

"Hi."

"Hi," he replied back as he crossed the kitchen to her.

He stood on the opposite side of the island beside the stove, where she was standing. She was sauteing onions and garlic. It smelled delicious. He placed his briefcase and jacket on the countertop. He didn't know if he should tell her the nasty lies Evie had tried to tell him about her, or just enjoy the dinner she was preparing for the two of them. He was beginning to enjoy putting a smile on her face. The things Evie said wouldn't exactly make Agatha smile. It was hard to imagine that twenty-four hours ago she looked like a completely different woman on the outside. He felt ashamed now for the way he had treated her upon their initial conversation. He silently vowed to make it up to her. Ever since he proposed to her it was like he was meeting someone new. She was smiling at him as she put the chicken in the pan to cook it and then placed the glass top on it. She walked over to him while wiping her hands on a nearby towel.

"I hope you don't mind. I figured after your ..er..meeting with Ms. Lecrew would go over, but since you are here would you like something to eat?"

Why was she being so damned gracious? He asked himself. The women he was accustomed to dating would be furious with him if they had to cook, let alone cook for someone whose ex-girlfriend just tried to attack them. He didn't really know what to make of it, but he would never let her know that. He was curious as to what she meant when she said the meeting with Evie. Did she think he had made love to her? Would she care? Did she think he was that type of man? He pushed those thoughts back and watched as she cooked.

"You seem to know your way around a kitchen." He smiled at her, trying to ease the tension he felt mounting inside of him.

He wanted to kiss her and make this game they were playing a reality. He knew he couldn't. It surprised him at how superficial it sounded to himself, but he knew that it was much more than that. He knew she was smart and fun to be with. He was feeling things he had never before with the opposite sex in terms of wanting to get to know someone before he made her a conquest, and that was another thing, he didn't want to make her a conquest. He just wanted to simply be with her, protect her and make her happy. She was smiling as she cooked and looked back at him.

"Yes, I love to cook. I don't know if I'm any good at it. I have never cooked for anyone." She looked away and hoped she didn't sound desperate.

"I'm sure you are good at everything you do," he supplied, and even to his own ears that remark sounded extremely sexual.

Agatha blushed and continued cooking.

"Do you need help with anything?" He asked feeling a little out of sorts just standing there looking at her mincing and sauteeing.

"Yes, can you set the table, please?"

He did as she requested and just as he sat the wine glasses down she was placing their plates on the table settings. Heath's stomach growled as the savory aroma hit his nostrils. He found a bottle of sweet red wine in the wine rack by the dining room table and filled both glasses. They sat down. He was impressed at how delicious his meal was.

Agatha had been caught off guard when she had seen Heath standing in the doorway while she danced and cooked. She had finished bringing all of her items she would need for the duration of her stay here, which wasn't a lot, just a few clothes, and her laptop. After that she had taken a tour of his massive home, and felt like cooking to get her mind off of this drastic change. She watched as he inhaled the grilled chicken breast in sweet butter sauce.

"How was the meeting with Evie?" She asked as she took a sip of her wine.

He swallowed his food before he spoke, "It was the usual."

Agatha was confused by that statement. He could tell so he decided to elaborate.

"Evie is dramatic. She feels like you had this planned the entire time. She says you and Marilyn poisoned her so you could take her place." Agatha was sure not to give any outward reaction to what he was telling her, for fear he would smell out the truth. "I know it sounds absurd, but she blames you. I'm sorry I got you in this mess. "

His apology made her feel low. She should tell him she thought, but it wasn't her place to tell. She didn't like keeping secrets and this was a big secret. It may have started out small, but because of it, she was now pretending to be engaged and living with the man of her dreams. What would he do if he knew the truth? Tomorrow she would visit Marilyn and they would figure it all out.

"Did you hear me, Agatha?"He asked her.

She hadn't been listening.

"I'm sorry Heath."

"It's alright, I said how does meeting my father this weekend sound?"

"It sounds soon," She was pushing the steamed vegetables around on her plate.

"I know. The sooner the better. I almost forgot."

He walked over to the counter where he had left his briefcase and jacket. He opened the briefcase and took out a piece of paper.

"What is this?" She asked as he sat in the chair beside her, leaving his plate unattended.

"This is our contract. I had my lawyer draw it up for us."

She took it from him and scanned it. It was a contract that outlined her "Contractual Obligations" as his "fiance'".

The thing that stuck out the most was when she read "... at the end should both parties end amicably and the contract is fulfilled said party will receive $1,000,000.00."

She dropped the paper as if it had stung her and jumped up out of her seat. One million dollars was a lot of money to Agatha. She could only dream of having money like that, and here Heath was giving it to her like it was nothing.

"Agatha, is everything alright?" He looked concerned.

She decided to sit back down at the table. Her appetite was suddenly gone. Her mind was still racing from what she had read.

"I'm...I'm fine."

"Are you sure? We can change the contract if there's something you don't like."

"No...really, it's fine. I'm fine. I just wasn't expecting to be compensated with this much money."

"It's the least I can do for you saving my hide."

He had an unrecognizable look on his face again and Agatha wanted to pinch herself.

"Do you have a pen?" She asked.

Her hands were trembling. If she signed this contract it meant there was no walking or running away. She would have to exude self-confidence and self-restraint, both things she wasn't very good at, because those were things she never relied on in her past.

He handed her his gold ball point pen and she steadied her shaking hands as she signed the document.

"Let's make a toast," he said smiling and reached over the table to retrieve his wine glass. "To you and I, Agatha."

"To us," she said quietly and their glasses clinked to their future.

Agatha knew she should be reveling in the feeling of finally being financially independent, and being as beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside, but Evie Lecrew's face kept tormenting her as Heath smiled warmly at her. He was taking her on a tour of where her bedroom would be. They stopped when they reached the master bedroom. Agatha took a step back.

"What?" He asked watching the worry come across her face, "This is your bedroom for the duration." He smiled at her as he pushed open the large wooden doors.

Agatha gasped at how beautiful the room was.

"This is your room? You sleep in here ?"

She was dumbfounded.

Heath smiled at her and loved seeing his extravagant taste through her eyes. He was accustomed to large gaudy rooms and ridiculously expensive homes like this. He had grown up in one, Agatha however, hadn't and her newfound wonder was contagious.

"From time to time I do." He chuckled.

She turned to look at him before speaking. "I thought you said I would have my own room. This is your room."

"It's your room for as long as you stay here. I am having all the other rooms redecorated. They won't be ready for another three months. There is a study downstairs. I spend the majority of my time there." He glanced at his watch. "I actually have a few business calls I have to make. Please make yourself at home."

She noticed there was a significant amount of distance between them and images of him tumbling her onto the large four-poster bed danced in her mind.

He smiled at her once more and closed the doors behind him when he left.

She walked over to the large windows and looked outside to the lush green garden. It was night, but the garden was well lit and she could see the tropical flowers. Tomorrow she would do more exploring in the house she thought, then she realized that she had to speak with Marilyn as soon as possible and come up with a plan before this one blew up in both of their faces...

#

#  Break Your Duck

Agatha had never understood the expression 'More nervous than a hooker at a Sunday bake sale', until now. Agatha was being led into Heath's childhood home, Brockston Manor. In this situation she was the hooker and Brockston Manor was the Sunday bake sale. She was reminded of the phone call she had had the pleasure of having with his father only a few weeks prior to this visit, and that phone call hadn't gone well at all. Her stomach was in nervous knots.

She took off her designer sunglasses as they entered the massive home. The opulence of it all took Agatha's breath away. It was beautiful. French Colonial at it's finest. She had no real family, and never really had a home. Her mother and father had lost her to the system when she was only four years old. She had been raised in a loving foster home until she graduated high school at the age of sixteen. Upon her graduation she got accepted into music school on a full academic scholarship. She had kept in touch with Mrs. Stark, her foster-mother, from time to time but had been independent and alone since leaving high school. She had always felt she was never good enough because the people in her life never stayed around to tell her she was. Now, her life was drastically changing and the deposit of one-hundred thousand dollars into her savings account yesterday proved that they were changing for the better.

She had been petrified on the drive here. She looked the part of Heath's fiance', or so she hoped. Today, she was wore a Champagne colored faux mink that revealed a cream deep plunging top underneath it.Her tailored blue jeans and cream suede designer boots gave her a chic, yet casual feel. She just hoped she could remember all the pertinent information about her 'fiance' when questioned by his father.

Heath thought Agatha looked beautiful today. He loved seeing her with her hair down. Her skin looking sun kissed and radiant. He could tell she was wearing a minimal amount of makeup and he marveled at how he hadn't noticed her natural beauty before their encounter at the cafe. She was stunning. She flashed him a nervous smile and he felt his groin stir. She was driving him crazy and didn't even know it. The last seventy-two hours in his home had been complete torture for him. If she was any other woman he would be sleeping with her by now, but it wasn't some other woman, it was sweet, shy, beautiful Agatha. He had no idea what it was about her, but he felt himself going out of his way to make her day pleasant and to see that radiant smile of hers. At night he found himself sneaking into his room just to watch her sleep. She looked so serene, like an angel. He didn't want to admit his feelings were getting more and more invested, but when he walked her into his childhood home he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride with her on his arm.

Soon they were greeted by the housekeeper before they could go any further and were immediately escorted to Heath's father's study. Agatha thought she would be sick. She tried to take deep breaths as she walked in quick strides with him and the housekeeper. Agatha had to pull it together. Her nerves were getting to her before anything had happened.

Heath stopped and looked at her. He gently touched her cheek and kissed her. She felt the tension ease. She kissed him back. She felt his strong arms wrap around her tiny waist and press her body up against his. She was shocked and excited all at once. The kiss deepened. Their tongues were tasting, and playing. She felt the world melt away with his kiss and nothing seemed to matter.

"What the hell! "

Agatha broke the kiss and looked in the direction of the voice in the doorway that they stood in front of. It was Austin Brockston, Heath's father, who looked even meaner than he had sounded that awful day.

He was grimacing fiercely at them.

It scared Agatha. She looked back at Heath and noticed he was smirking. He had done that on purpose. She felt used and tacky.

"Oh quit your bellowing, you're scaring my fiance'." Heath demanded.

He looked at Agatha and winked at her.

She smiled slightly.

"Well don't just stand there. Get the hell in here !" Austin growled.

Heath walked behind her as they entered into his father's study. She sat down in a wingback chair in front of the desk. Heath walked over to the bookcase as the housekeeper shut the door. Austin sat down behind his large oak desk. Agatha looked around the room and knew where Heath had got his taste from. She smiled to herself.

"You're a happy one aren't you? Quite different from-" Austin remarked to Agatha as he lit a Cuban cigar and took a drag. The sweet smelling smoke filled the air.

"Father don't," Heath warned, making sure to not let his father finish his statement. He was standing behind her chair now.

She felt his hands on both her shoulders. His touch seemed to sear her skin through the jacket and blouse she wore.

"You will be nice to her father."

Austin saw the possessive stance his son took behind the girl. He decided to goad his son more.

"Will I?" He countered, holding a mischievous twinkle in his eyes when he asked the rhetorical question.

"Damn right." His son's voice was like ice.

Agatha couldn't believe that these two people were father and son. They spoke horribly to each other. They were cold and calculated as if it was business. Agatha wondered what it must have been like for Heath growing up in this house. She was starting to get uncomfortable with the situation she was in. She could feel his grip tense up with every word he spoke to his father. She couldn't get up. She had to stay and watch the dog fight between father and son. They were staring each other down now. Seconds passed before either spoke.

"Alright son, you win." Austin took another puff of his cigar and smiled, " How did you meet my son Ms?"

"Agatha." She supplied.

"Agatha,"He repeated.

She swallowed hard. They had gone over what they would say to his father, but sitting here in front of him all the answers seemed to fly right out of her brain. She wanted to jump up and run out of the room. Before she could Heath spoke for her.

"She worked for our company."

"Really ? Pity, I didn't get to meet her first." He winked playfully at Agatha.

Agatha smiled.

"You wouldn't have stood a chance old man."

His dad chuckled at that and she felt his hands relax, and leave her shoulders. She wanted him to keep touching her.

"In any case, this weekend is full of festivities. I hope you two lovebirds are ready."

"Father, what are you talking about?"

Agatha wondered the same.

"I'm throwing my first born son his engagement party."

Heath stood beside Agatha.

"Father, as nice as that sounds we don't want it. We are keeping this low key."

"Why? A Brockston marries for life. Our friends and family are going to want to meet her." He paused, "Is she pregnant?"

Agatha let out a little gasp of surprise at Mr. Brockston's question.

"Dammit, father!"

"Is she?"

"No, Mr. Brockston. I am not pregnant."

"Then why the secrecy?" His eyes narrowed.

Agatha felt like he was staring into her soul and knew the truth.

This time Agatha spoke, "Because I thought it best."

"Why?" Mr. Brockston stared solely at her now.

"I was intimidated by the Brockston family name, and I didn't think I could measure up. I love your son, but I don't know if I love what he does for a living."

At that last remark Austin snorted rudely.

Heath smiled at Agatha's remark.

Mr. Brockston stood up, walked over to Agatha, and assisted her out of her chair. He hugged her like an old friend and whispered in her ear, "Welcome to the family."

He smelled like musk and sandalwood. Just as quickly as the hug began between them, it was over. He gently guided her by her elbow out of the study.

"My son and I have some business to discuss. Nothing a lady like you would like to hear. I'm sure Mrs. Deets is around here somewhere." He supplied.

"Marilyn is here?" She asked surprised.

"Yes, she should be. I invite her to all our family functions. She is very dear to me...er..us."

Agatha looked at Mr. Brockston and could swear the old coot was blushing and sounded flustered to her. She hadn't been able to catch up with Marilyn before this trip to Brockston Manor so she took it as a sign.

"Darling, I won't be long," Heath said as he walked over to the fireplace.

She waved as Mr. brockston shut the door and followed the housekeeper out onto the patio. There, she found Marilyn looking quite comfortable in a classy white jumpsuit sitting on a chaise. She smiled, stood up and hugged Agatha. Agatha needed it.

"Aggy! When did you get here?"

"About thirty-five minutes ago. I met Mr.Brockston."

"How did that go?"

"I don't know."

Marilyn chuckled.

"Welcome to my world."

That seemed to make the previous encounter with her father-in-law-to-be a little less intimidating to her. She sat down beside Marilyn on the chaise while she took off her Mink coat. She was too afraid to move an inch when she had been in Mr. Brockston's study. He was intimidating and he knew it. Heath didn't seem the least bothered by it, which made her wonder if she should be since he wasn't. She still felt guilty about what happened and wanted to share with Marilyn what Heath had shared with her over dinner.

"Heath said Evie accused us of poisoning her the day of the fundraiser."

Marilyn sat there quietly. Agatha continued, "He didn't believe her."

She saw Marilyn visibly relax.

She leaned in close and spoke in a hushed tone, "You have to tell Heath the truth Mar."

"No," Marilyn said simply, just as the housekeeper brought out a portable mini bar with a tray of drinks.

She handed Agatha one and she graciously took a sip. Agatha couldn't believe Marilyn had just said 'no'. This entire situation was, in essence, her fault and she didn't want to 'fess up to it. Agatha felt a little hurt. She thought her friend would do the right thing, but obviously Marilyn wasn't ready to. What was she going to do in the meantime? She rolled her eyes.

"Why are you being so damned difficult about this! I don't like lying to him, or avoiding questions. It's suspicious, and if I do anything suspicious he can forfeit the contract. I need the money Mar," she added thinking of her music career in the not too distant future.

"Aggy, it's complicated...I can't do it. Just trust me. I will do everything in my power to make sure you're not blamed. I know I seem like I'm not being a good friend right now, but trust me. you won't forfeit anything. Just keep acting normal and everything will work itself out."

Marilyn placed her hand on top of Agatha's . "O.k." She wanted to believe her new friend.

They were silent for a few moments. Marilyn spoke again.

"How's everything else? The living situation?"

"Everything is fine, I guess. We don't really see each other unless it's dinner. His house is big enough to where I get lost every day."

Marilyn laughed and Agatha joined in.

"You sound like how I was when I first came to Brockston Manor. At first it was just for the holidays. I kept getting lost. You will get used to it."

She sounded surer than Agatha felt.

****

"Where did you find that one?" Austin asked his son after the door had been shut.

"I told you."

"She fits the part. I would have thought you would have hired someone like Evie."

"What are you talking about?" He asked his father, already knowing.

His father already knew he wasn't engaged to Agatha or anyone for that matter. He didn't care. His father would have to prove it. He felt like he had no choice and had to keep up the ruse. He would do whatever it took to save his company and his career. He couldn't let his father win. His father did have a point, however, when he mentioned Evie. He had chosen her first, and then she had let him down, as usual. He walked over to the small table that stood in front of the window and grabbed a glass and the brandy snifter. He poured himself a drink while his father spoke.

"Son, why not actually settle down instead of hiring someone?"

He drank the liquor from the glass in one swallow and poured himself another.

"I heard old Geraint is giving you the runaround."

"How the hell did you hear about that?"

"I may be retired, but my sources are still reliable and loyal."

"In your old age you have become a meddling old man, you know that? You and this stupid notion I need to be settled down to run the company is ridiculous. I wouldn't be surprised if you put Mr. Geraint up to not accepting my proposal because of this whole damn thing! I told you I was engaged months ago. I have produced her as you requested. What will subjecting her to family show you? You yourself said she is an unlikely candidate in my so-called shenanigans. She is a lady, and I will have you treat her as such, and not like some chess pawn in our sick familial game."

He poured himself one final drink of the liquor and in one single gulp downed the contents. His jaws clenched at the burn. He put the glass down and stormed out of his father's office.

Austin sat back in his leather chair and smoked his cigar. His son was just like him, stubborn as hell. Even with him calling Heath out he still held on to his story. Agatha did seem like a nice lady from the brief time he had spent with her just minutes ago, too nice for what he knew his son was doing.Heath would break her heart for the permanent title as C.E.O. of Brockston Shipping, of course he would pay her handsomely, but Austin knew that Agatha was in love with his son. He also had the family trait of knowing when someone was lying to him. When the girl spoke of her fear of the family and love for his son. She had been telling the truth. Yes, he was just like him. He only wanted the best for his son. Austin was sixty-seven years old. He had already lost one son in a horrible car accident and he couldn't afford to lose another. As much as he hated to admit it, Heath had turned out to be the saving grace of Brockston Shipping. Since his four years of being C.E.O. and running the company their stocks had tripled, and every reputable shipping company wanted their backing. His son had become him. He worked late hours. Never missed a business opportunity, whether locally or internationally. He had watched from afar as his son ignored the women in his life for the company and Austin had to intervene. He needed his son to be happy, and happiness came from falling in love, not from building an empire. His wife, God rest her soul, was a wonderful wife and mother when she was alive. She died when both the boys were young. His smile was bittersweet thinking about his wife was still being alive and what her thoughts would be about her eldest son.

He took another drag of the sweet cigar but didn't inhale. He spoke aloud.

" All in good time my boy. All in good time..."

***

Heath appeared on the patio and both ladies smiled as he waved at them. Marilyn stood again and hugged him. This time, she stayed standing.

"How long have you been here?" He asked Marilyn, smiling at her.

"Since Thursday. Your father had some little business things he wanted me to help him with."

"Like?" He pressed.

He knew Marilyn and his father had been having an affair for the past four years. He never let on that he knew, but standing there with Marilyn, looking at her in the sunlight, at his childhood home, he knew she belonged here. He knew every Thursday she wasn't going to a support group she was visiting his father at the Waldorf. He was enjoying watching both of them squirm under the least bit of scrutiny. He smiled mischievously, which in turn made Marilyn smile.

"None of your business Heath Austin Brockston!" She exclaimed.

"You are right about that," he conceded with a look of amusement on his face.

"Speaking of small business stuff, I should see if your father needs anything else. "

She smiled and walked back into the home.

Heath sat down beside Agatha and rested his hand in between her thighs. She didn't know how she was supposed to react to such an intimate touch, so she looked at him. He was looking at her with that sparkle in his eyes. She felt everything around them melt away.

"Are you o.k.?" He asked her, with concern laced in his voice.

"I'm going to be." She smiled.

He kissed her forehead, and she leaned into him. He felt so strong and steady.

"My old man can be quite the charmer. I'm sorry. "

"Are we leaving?"

She heard him chuckle at that.

"No, in fact, we are staying until Monday."

"Monday?" She sat up from her leaning position.

"Father wants a proper engagement party, and to do that he is inviting all our friends and family. I said I would talk to you about it."

"Thank you."

He answered her by kissing her lightly. She noticed he always seemed to detect when she was feeling nervous.

"Are you going to kiss me every time I get nervous or scared?" She asked with a smile.

"If I need to, yes."

She noticed he wasn't smiling. He was serious, and once again their lips touched. Agatha felt her mind racing and stopping still all at once. It was the strangest feeling. She felt his hands caressing and stroking her neck as he kissed her senseless. Agatha didn't know if he was kissing her because she was overwhelmed or because he wanted to, either way she didn't want him to stop. She felt herself giving into his touch and the pent up passion she felt for him was brimming over. She was ready to explode. She pushed away and stood up quickly, trying to get a distance between them, as well as catch her breath. Her thoughts were all over the place. She stood by the edge of the patio and looked out at the beautiful landscape of the gardens below. She felt his arms gently wrap around her and pull her back until her back was pressed against his hard,muscular chest. He rested his chin on her shoulder, and she melted on the inside. She wanted him badly. She had very little experience in the sex department, but her feelings every time he kissed her told her she would be fine. She wondered if she should trust him enough to let him make love to her. It had been four years and it was with her ex-boyfriend, only once and it hurt like hell. She sighed loudly. What she wouldn't give to be outspoken and flirtatious like Ms.Lecrew. She wouldn't be blushing and nervous every time he touched her or smiled at her. She would have him begging for her kisses. She smiled at the thought of Heath crying and begging her to kiss him.

"Master Heath, dinner is served."

She heard the housekeeper inform them.

Heath turned,"Thank you."

The housekeeper nodded and left them alone once more.

Agatha turned around to look at him. He was looking out at the lush gardens and then back at her.

"You are handling this all so well. Thank you."

"You're welcome, just doing my job."

"Don't say that too loud the old man has hearing like an elephant."

Agatha giggled.

"Glad to see that's still intact." He gently brushed her cheek.

"What?" She was still smiling when she looked at him.

Heath had to keep his composure and try not to kiss her again. She was irresistible and was glad at the decision he had made.

"That smile," he said.n

She felt her smile widen at his compliment. She just hoped she could keep her sense of humor as this weekend went on. She wanted to be perfect. Heath already knew she was...

#  Swan Bevy

Agatha felt just as nervous and overwhelmed as she had the first day they had arrived at Brockston Manor. She hadn't slept a wink last night. She had grown accustomed to sleeping alone and Heath sleeping in the study. She wasn't accustomed to sharing a bed with anyone, let alone the gorgeous and powerful, Heath Brockston. The way he held her last night, in his sleep, made her feel like a treasured possession. She could only dream of that type of lifelong intimacy with someone. She would fall asleep and then awake to his strong, yet gentle hands softly, slowly caressing her. His touch awoke something in her body and she felt like every nerve was alive and crying out for something she had never experienced. She stilled his hands by placing them onto her flat abdomen. He would sigh. It frightened her, not because she didn't like his touch. It frightened her because she was unfamiliar with being touched so intimately, and she loved the feeling of it. He had left before she had awoke, trying to be careful not to wake her. She smiled at the thought of him not knowing she was already awake. It was almost eleven. She was getting dressed, but wasn't in a hurry. She thought about how yesterday had gone with meeting his father. It was like he knew they weren't a real couple. He had seemed so direct to her. She really didn't know what to expect today. She knew she had to actively participate she was the bride-to-be. She decided to wear a blue silk camisole under a cream and silver sequin, striped, oversized cardigan. Her jeans were comfortable. She put her nude ballerina flats on and went in search of Marilyn. She found her friend in the kitchen standing by the kitchen table, which was decorated beautifully with three different centerpieces, flowers, and trays of delicious looking cake. Marilyn saw Agatha come in the kitchen and greeted her warmly.

"Hello, Sleepy head."

"Hello, Marilyn." She went over and hugged her friend.

"I will have to tell Heath to stop keeping you up so late."

Agatha smiled. It was none of Marilyn's business what happened last night,which was absolutely nothing.

"This looks beautiful."

"Do you like it ? Mr.Brockston, Correction, Austin, would like me to assist you in finding a cake and decorations you would like for the engagement party tomorrow. Tonight is the engagement dinner. Your family will fly in an-, oh Aggy I'm sorry, I misspoke. I forgot," she rushed on and put her arm around Agatha's shoulder to comfort her.

"Mar, it's o.k. I have family. If you want to invite them feel free to. I'm sure you have their information."

Marilyn pretended to be fixing a flower on the table.

"You already asked them didn't you?"

"No, I wanted to be sure. I know how private you are." Marilyn watched as the housekeeper left the kitchen. She quickly leaned over and spoke in a hushed voice. "I thought about hiring actors if you're not comfortable with your foster parents being apart of this." The housekeeper re-appeared with more flowers. She placed them at the end of the table.

For the next five hours Agatha was enthralled in a whirlwind of engagement party preparations. The housekeeper turned out to be a wonderful cook and made a delectable lunch for them. Her blonde brownies were to die for. As soon as she picked her centerpieces they were placing them in the formal dining room for tonight. Agatha didn't feel the least bit overwhelmed. Maybe it was because she knew it wasn't her real engagement party. She still wanted to enjoy it. She loved parties and Marilyn was a delight to have around.

"Isla what time is it?" Marilyn asked as she handed a basket of flowers to the gardener.

"It's five-thirty, Ms.Marilyn."

"Holy cow ! We have to get ready or else you are going to be late to your own engagement dinner."

Marilyn grabbed Agatha by the wrist and lead her out of the kitchen.

"Mar, slow down," Agatha said nearly tripping.

She freed her wrist as they went up the stairs.

Marilyn slowed her pace.

"I don't have a dress... I mean I brought dresses, but none for an engagement dinner."

"Yes you do."

Agatha gave her a confused look.

Marilyn smiled. "I called Jennifer and she sent over some dresses. I had Isla put two in your room for you to choose from tonight."

They reached the top of the stairs and went their separate ways. Agatha went into Heath's suite and saw two semi-fromal gowns elegantly fanned out on the large white, marble, four-poster bed. The first gown was a white with black pinstripes sweetheart dress. It had a deep plunging neckline and was outlined in silver rhinestones. It was beautiful. Agatha touched it. It felt like velvet under her fingers. The second gown was a light cream, lace and chiffon mermaid dress. She smiled. A week ago she wouldn't dare try these clothes on let alone wear them, but now here she was, contemplating which one she should wear. She decided to wear the mermaid dress. It was more traditional, and she felt it would make a good first impression. She wore her hair half up with wispy tendrils framing her face. Her makeup gave her a polished look. She truly looked and felt like a bride-to-be. She turned from side to side in the mirror, admiring the way the chiffon and lace moved on her body from the different angles. She loved the way it accentuated her neck and collarbone, all the while hugging her hips and flaring out. It was a beautiful dress.

"Wow."

She heard Heath say from behind her, and she quickly turned around to see him looking handsome in his black tuxedo.

"I like that dress." She watched as his eyes drank her in. Before she could say 'thank you' he continued, "But, it's missing something."

"It is?" She asked puzzled, turning back around to the cheval mirror assessing herself one more time. She looked at her matching cream, satin pumps, then back up to her dress, her makeup and then her hair. She looked perfect, or so she thought. What could be missing? He gently took her by the hand and lead her over to his dresser.

"It's missing this," he said as he pulled out a medium sized black velvet box. He opened it and Agatha thought she was dreaming. A diamond necklace with matching diamond teardrop earrings winked and shimmered at her. It took all her strength not to break out into a happy dance. She smiled wide and blushed. "There it is, " he chuckled. "Turn around. I will put them on you."

"Heath, thank you, but this is too much. I can't. I wouldn't feel-"

"You have to," he informed her as he placed the necklace on her.

It felt heavy to her. They were real! She felt herself panicking inside at the realization.

"They are a family heirloom. You are my wife-to-be. These are yours."

"But, we aren't really getting married Heath." She looked up at him.

She saw some dark emotion cloud his face and then he was back. She wondered what he had thought just then.

"For the duration of our stay here no more talk of what is and what isn't. You are my fiance', and you love me, and I am deliriously happy with you."

He put the clip-on jewels onto her earlobes. She caught a whiff of his cologne. He smelt like a masculine combination of mineral marine notes with frankincense, and patchouli. She inhaled the scent and her thighs went aflame. The way he was looking at her made her believe what he just said. He had a way of pulling her in.

"Do you love me?" She felt shy asking that question.

"Of course I love you. I'm marrying you. Now, look." He kissed her lips lightly as to not smudge her lipstick, and lead her back to the full length mirror she had been standing in front of just moments ago.

She had to admit he was right. The jewels made her look like she was a princess. She felt like gold. She smiled and turned back around to look at him. He was staring at her with a look she had only dreamed he would. It was a look of desire and genuine happiness.

"You look better than stunning. All of my family means well, so I will apologize in advance for their behavior."

That comment made Agatha laugh. She felt the mounting tension inside of her subside. She had never had a true family. She didn't really know what to expect. She had never met her ex-boyfriend's parent's let alone his entire family. She took a deep breath, laced her fingers with his, and they walked out of the room together. They stopped at the top of the grand staircase. Agatha looked down and saw at least forty people looking up at her. All of them had smiles on their faces. She scanned the crowd to see if her foster-mother had made it. She saw no sign of her. She didn't know why it bothered her. She should have been used to it after all these years,but she wasn't. She shook it off.

Heath had never been so nervous about introducing a woman to his family until now, and when Agatha told him they weren't really engaged he thought he would fall apart. He was enjoying every moment with her. He had never felt this way before and he was becoming increasingly worried he may not be able to let her go. Even now as he held on to her and they slowly descended the grand staircase he recalled sliding down on a bobsled when he was a boy, she looked regal to him. He noticed how everyone couldn't take their eyes off of her, he was surprised he could. She was ravishing. When they reached the bottom of the steps Austin stood on Agatha's other side, took her other hand and put it on his forearm and proceeded to guide her to the dining room with Heath and the guests in tow.

"You look beautiful my dear. My son is one lucky duck."

She smiled and relaxed more as Mr. Brockston guided her down the hall that led to two large double doors. There were two guards in front of them. Mr. Brockston nodded and the two men opened the formal dining room hall and once again Agatha's breath was taken away. The room looked as if it was out of a fine dining catalog. The centerpieces She and Marilyn had picked out were on the table and ornately placed around the luxurious room.

"It's beautiful Mr. Brockston. Thank you." She was smiling and crying all at once.

"It's my pleasure. There is more to come. Don't ruin your makeup." He reached into his breast pocket and handed her a handkerchief.

She dabbed at her eyes. He stopped when he reached the head of the table. Heath would sit on his right and Agatha on his left. Everyone found their place. Austin held up a flute and the crowd grew silent.

"My friends and family, tonight we are here to celebrate my son Heath's engagement to this lovely creature, Agatha."

"Here, here," She heard someone say.

"It's about time!" Another said.

"To the bride to-be and my son." Everyone lifted their glasses. "Now that's out of the way. Let's eat !"

Everyone gathered around the table laughed jovially and took their seats.

Agatha hadn't known what to expect. She was having a wonderful time and was enjoying the engagement dinner immensely. They had a four course meal. Agatha had been full by the second, but made sure to take a bite of every course. She had to admit Isla was a wonderful cook. Dinner was concluded and Agatha was being escorted to the grand room by Marilyn. She had felt a little out of sorts and having Marilyn by her side made her feel calm, even if it was for a brief moment.

"You look like you are having fun."Her friend said to her as she smiled at the people walking past them.

"I am." Agatha admitted.

"Not for long," She heard a familiar female voice say behind her.

She and Marilyn turned to see who had overheard their conversation. They were face-to-face with Evie Lecrew. This woman was like a bad penny thought Agatha. She just kept showing up...

#  Dead Duck

Agatha thought she was hallucinating. Where did Evie come from? She hadn't noticed her at dinner. She looked at the gorgeous brunette. Even dressed in this lovely gown Agatha still felt inadequate when she stood in front of Evie,who was wearing a very modest pink formal dress, looking the part of a sweet, young beauty. Agatha touched Marilyn's hand. Marilyn looked at Agatha. This was real. Evie smiled as the party of people walked by them. They all assumed Evie was a friend because she had a smile on her face as she spewed her venom.

She was inches away from Agatha.

"I see you clean up rather nicely Amber, but remember a pig is still a pig even in a pretty dress and makeup." She smiled harder when she saw the look of hurt in Agatha's face at her jab.

"What the hell are you doing here Evie? This is a private function. The gold diggers ball is next month." Marilyn hissed in retaliation.

"Oh Marilyn, I was invited." She pulled out her invitation and leaned forward so only they could hear her, "And I didn't have to sleep with Austin to get one. Can you say the same?"

Marilyn saw red and charged for her. Agatha jerked her arm hard. That movement seemed to shake Marilyn back. She was wearing a lovely gray silk high waisted formal dress. Agatha thought Marilyn looked very elegant and hated to see her friend ruin her dress fighting with the likes of Evie. When she felt like Marilyn was calm enough she loosened her grip on her arm.

Evie crossed her slender arms and smiled that saccharine smile that worked so well on Heath and said, "Well ladies, enjoy the show. Now to give my good wishes to the groom." She purposely pushed through the two women.

They watched as she latched on to a male guest who didn't mind her attention.

Agatha couldn't take it any longer, and ran in the opposite direction of where the guests were going. She felt dizzy, sick, and like bursting into tears all at once. She ran into the restroom,

slamming the door as she did so. She looked at herself in the mirror. She didn't see the same girl she had seen earlier this evening. That girl was fun, carefree, happy and in love with Heath Brockston. Now she saw a nervous, shy, idiot playing dress up for her boss, who could never love her the way she loved him. He had said he was deliriously in love with her, but Seeing Evie here and now with an invitation,she knew this was a game. That made her feel sick. She knew she couldn't cry because she couldn't ruin her makeup. She couldn't remember if she had told Marilyn where she was going. All she knew was at that moment she had to leave.

Evie Lecrew represented everything that society had drilled into her head when she was a teenager. She was; a useless, ugly person. She wanted to believe by the way Heath looked at her that she wasn't. She wasn't use to dealing with conflict. She wasn't use to any of this. It was so surreal, and all she wanted to do was go home. This had been a fun idea, but now, Evie was on a rampage of revenge and she didn't want to stand in her wrath. She thought back to Marilyn saying no one would blame her, and she shook her head at the irony of Evie completely blaming her. She felt guilty because she had known about it. She could have said 'no' to all of this, but she didn't. She used Evie's misfortune for her own sick happiness, and here she was hiding in the powder room from one of the bitchiest women she had ever met.

"Aggy! Are you in there?" Marilyn called.

She was banging on the bathroom door.

Agatha didn't know if she was ready to face her. She was so embarrassed and angry. She knew she couldn't have Heath find her like this. She was sure he was waiting for her somewhere. After all, it was their 'engagement dinner'. What did they do when dinner was over ? She wondered.

"Aggy! Please ! They are going to wonder.."

She opened the door and saw Marilyn visibly sigh.

"Oh my goodness Aggy ! Are you o.k.?"

"Yes. Let's find Heath."

Marilyn couldn't believe how calm Agatha was acting. She had seen her bolt after that nasty confrontation with Evie, and guilt washed over her. Her friend was being bullied because of her. She finally tracked Agatha down. She was in the powder room. She thought her friend would be broken down in tears. She hated the way Evie treated people she felt were beneath her, but when Agatha opened the door and showed no sign of emotional distress Marilyn was overjoyed. Agatha was stronger than she seemed. She still looked the part of the blushing bride-to be. Any other woman would have wanted to scratch Evie's eyes out, hell Marilyn wanted to, especially after what she had said about her and Austin, but not Agatha. Agatha ran from her problems instead of facing them.

They walked in silence until they came upon a small group of people in the billiard room. Agatha noticed Heath was inside with Evie. Even in his expensive tuxedo he looked rugged and handsome. He had taken off his jacket and his white dress shirt sleeves was rolled up on his tanned, muscular forearms while he held a cue stick in one hand. He looked unamused as Evie made her usual advances on him. Agatha wasn't the least surprised at Evie. She was surprised by Heath. He was trying to ignore Evie and keep his distance from her. He moved away as he saw Agatha coming. He smiled brightly when he saw her walking towards him. He met her halfway. She saw the look of disappointment in Evie's face as he walked over to her. That made her feel better.

"Where have you been?" He looked concerned. "Are you o.k.?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I just had to powder my nose. All that champagne."

He knew she was lying to him, but he didn't want to make a big deal about it here and now. Not only could he hear it in her strained voice, but he could see it in her eyes, and what the hell was Evie doing here? His father had gone too far this time. He knew he couldn't make a scene in front of their closest family and friends on such a wonderful occasion, but that was exactly what he wanted to do when he saw Evie. He had sent Isla, the housekeeper to find Agatha and was waiting here when his ex came in acting like she was lost. He had been elated when he saw Agatha walk through the door. He could see she was visibly upset and he knew it was because of Evie. He just hoped she would tell him about it. He wished she would open up to him more. He wanted her in every way and that thought surprised and scared him.

"Let's go, we will be late. Marilyn, don't you look lovely."

"Thank You," said Marilyn.

"Late for what?" Agatha asked as he took her by the hand and led the way out of the billiard room.

"In my family, it's a tradition that we dance together in front of my family while they throw gold coins at us for luck and prosperity."

Agatha giggled. She felt extremely self conscious as they walked out onto the garden terrace. She saw all of Heath's family standing in a large circle. Each one holding a lit, golden candle, smiling at the happy couple. The circle opened and she saw the parquet dance floor in the center of it. He hadn't been joking. They had to dance in front of his family. She felt the panic rise up in her. She had only danced with him one other time and that was a fluke. She didn't know if she would dance like that tonight. She had so much on her mind now. She felt weighed down. That night she had felt so light and so carefree.

He put his hand on the small of her back and guided her towards the dancefloor. They were stopped by Austin and Heath's eldest Aunt. Austin adorned Heath with a sash made of gold satin, and his aunt placed a thin gold crown atop her head. He smiled at her as Austin placed their hands in one another's. Agatha felt her heart swell and herself blushing. They walked onto the dance floor and Heath once again swept her away in a slow dance. Her feet had a mind of their own. They kept time and matched his pace. She felt herself feeling the way she felt when they first met, breathless.

"There that lovely smile is," he said as they whirled around the floor. "I had begun to wonder."

"What were you wondering?"

"It's a conversation best left for tonight. Did I already tell you how beautiful you are?"

She nodded 'yes' and smiled sweetly.

"Good," he said and they danced like they had done it many times before.

She saw his family standing in the circle smiling at them. Then she saw Evie. Her expression was murderous. Agatha kept smiling and felt the little thumps as his family threw the gold coins at them.

****

Agatha left the party before Heath. She had to get away from those people, or just one person imparticular. It was like every time she looked around she saw Evie. She did feel terrible about Marilyn poisoning her, but she honestly had nothing to do with that. She had just got out of the shower. Gone was the makeup she had taken extra care to apply. She had scrubbed her face clean. Wanting to wipe away the charade. It was no use. She still felt unsettled and had come to the realization, as she was being gently guided on the dancefloor tonight, that she loved Heath and wanted him like no other. This may have been pretending for him, but it wasn't for her. Her feelings were growing stronger every second of the day and with every touch he gave her. She knew that if this would have never happened she wouldn't be here with him. That thought made her sad. She couldn't imagine her life without his smile. She walked out of the suite bathroom. The bedroom was dimly lit. She saw Heath sitting on the bed without his shirt or shoes. She couldn't help but look at his well-defined muscles. He looked gorgeous, and tired.

As if sensing her presence he looked up.

"You left me."

"I was tired. I, though-"

"I thought you had gone."

"Where would I go?"

"It doesn't matter. I apologize. Please," he motioned to the spot beside him on the large bed.

She walked over and sat down next to him. She felt the magnetism between them.

"I'm sorry, I jus-"

"You're always apologizing. Don't. I'm the asshole in this situation. My father has done nothing but embarrass me and hurt your feelings in the process," he raked his fingers through his sandy blonde hair. "Please, no more apologies," he put his hand on top of hers. "Do what you like."

She felt impulsive. He told her to do what she liked, and right now she felt like kissing him. She leaned forward and pressed her soft lips against his, giving him a light peck on the lips. She smiled at him.

"I felt like doing that."

He was looking at her like she was a nice juicy steak. She felt the goosebumps on her neck as he gently cupped her face. She leaned into his hand. All of Heath's will power left him when he saw how she wanted his touch. He pulled her to him and slanted his lips over hers. His kiss was hurried, passionate, and something he didn't want to end. She tasted sweet and his tongue delved into her wet cavernous mouth to taste more of her. He couldn't stop himself. He couldn't resist her. His hands were roaming all over her soft, supple body. She kept making sexy whimpering noises in the back of her throat. He wanted to rip the terry cloth robe off of her, but knew he had to restrain himself if he wanted both of them to have a pleasurable evening. Agatha had never been kissed like this before. All the things she wanted to say to him about tonight vanished with his soul searing kiss. Time seemed to melt away, and once again it was just her and him. She felt her core heating as Heath's strong hands moved over her body. No man had ever touched her with such fervor and gentle assertion.

She wanted him.

Take him. Her mind kept repeating over and over again.

He was kissing her passionately. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. The realization of that made her giddy and drunk with the love and desire she felt for him. His hands adeptly dealt with the robe's belt and she felt her heart racing at his urgency. As if he sensed her brief unease he stopped kissing her and backed up slightly so he could look into her eyes. She was so damn cute in that oversized robe looking dazed from his barrage of kisses. He wanted to plunge himself deep inside of her but, as bad as he wanted to he had to make sure it was what she wanted as well. He didn't want to hurt her. He wanted to enjoy her, and for her to enjoy him. He wanted to see underneath the robe. He wanted to touch her soft skin as he ravished her sweet body. He didn't move.

"Agatha, I want this...you...but I want you to want it as much as I do."

Agatha never thought she would hear any man say that he wanted her. Hearing the ache and need in his voice, and seeing the large bulge in his tuxedo trousers she knew he was telling her the truth. He wanted her. For how long and for what reason was the question.

Should she cross that boundary from where there is no return? She didn't know if she could handle being in love with someone society considered too good for her. She also felt like society was right. He was out of her league. She knew she may never get a chance at a man like Heath or the opportunity as it was now. She wanted to know what it was like to be made love to by someone who was experienced and wanted to feel alive the way she did when Heath kissed her. She knew he didn't want to hurt her. She knew now that he had no idea that Evie had been invited. That made her feel like he was on her side. She stood up and let the thick garment slide off of her body and fall into a pool of material on the floor by the bed. Heath inhaled sharply. His pants were getting tighter by the second. She was beautiful to him. Her breasts were full, with small pink nipples, and the strip of gold hair at the juncture of her thighs beckoned him. She was a real woman he thought. She wasn't blushing he noticed. He clasped her wrist and brought her closer to him. He pulled her down on top of him and kissed her senseless once more. She loved the feeling of being overwhelmed by the passion she was feeling for him. She felt him slowly roll them over,all the while still kissing her. She was underneath him now. He made sure not to crush her with his weight as he continued to kiss her lips, then her chin and further still until he was planting butterfly kisses delicately down the valley between her breasts. He suckled one, then the other, and Agatha never knew foreplay could be so intense. She actually knew nothing about foreplay. Her nipples hardened at his wet, suckling and she felt herself involuntarily responding to him. His hand moved in-between her thighs and his fingers gently rubbed her soft, wet, folds. She moaned into his mouth which made him groan low in his. She felt his finger plunging slowly inside of her and the motion made her wetter. She moaned louder. She didn't know what this feeling of anticipation was. She wanted a release from this dam of built up passion that had been building since their first kiss. She felt his thumb touch her core and rub gently as if it were a soft piece of silk and she thought she would come undone. How could this man have such a hold on her body with just his hand. That thought excited her all over again.

He was stood up. He looked virile, sexy and ready to ravish her. He undid the button of his trousers and pushed his pants down freeing his massive erection. It sprang free. He hadn't been wearing underwear, that thought coupled with the fact that he had just been kissing and touching her uncontrollable made her blush. He was wanton and so was she. It was like they were made for each other. She couldn't take her eyes off of his naked body. Spartan warrior had been correct to her way of thinking as she lay there on the bed waiting for him to join her again. She was nervous. She had never seen a naked man before and she was now in bed with him. She was afraid he may not fit.

Heath could see the desire and a hint of apprehension in Agatha's gaze as she stared at him. He hadn't meant to scare her and the realization that she may be a virgin hit him like a ton of bricks. He would have to exercise superhuman restraint with her. He slowly lowered his muscular frame on top of hers once more and the skin to skin contact was tantalizing. He was a perfect male specimen. She looked up into his hazel eyes, seeing genuine concern for her.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I've never been more sure about this," she captured his lips and the kiss drove him mad.

He used his hands to open her legs wider and with one swift motion he was buried inside of her. Agatha felt an overwhelming sense of pleasure and pain. She bit her lip and closed her eyes trying to block it out.

"Open your eyes, love," she heard him say.

She didn't want to. She was afraid she would cry then and there.

She shook her head 'no'.

He had moved inside of her and the sharp pain she felt was subsiding.

"Please," he pleaded softly in her ear and then licked and nipped it, sending waves of ecstasy through her body.

Her hips betrayed her and moved against him. She felt it then, the overwhelming pleasure of him inside of her. He groaned and kissed her hot, and wet. She kissed him back and their tongues mated as he slowly stoked the fire within her. Agatha felt the dam of pressure building and building and had no idea why she had this urgent need for him to keep going. Her orgasm slammed against her and she saw stars. Her body felt like it had been orbited in outer space and burned by the atmosphere. She felt herself falling back down to earth. It was so hot and intense. Soon after she heard him cry out her name, convulse and fall on top of her. Both of them were sweaty and exhausted. Agatha had just had her first orgasm and her first mind-blowing sex. She was out of breath and so was he. They lay there quiet his face tucked in the crook of her neck. His breathing slowed down to a steady pace. She was the happiest she had ever been. That was her last coherent thought as she fell asleep in Heath's arms.

Heath couldn't sleep a wink. He sat in a French Louis XIV style chair watching Agatha sleep. She looked content, more content than he had ever been sleeping at this house. He felt uneasy. He didn't regret sleeping with Agatha, he just hoped when the sun came up she wouldn't regret sleeping with him. He had tried to keep his distance. He had avoided her since she moved into his home. He had promised to always be a gentleman, but he had failed miserably tonight. When she had slipped away from him while he was talking to his uncle he thought she had left him for good. He had turned frantic trying to find her. Asking the housekeeper and Marilyn if they had seen her. No one had. He had watched her throughout the dinner and she had seemed to be having an exceptional time. Everyone was doting on her and what a great match they were. She seemed fine. It was when she had seen him with Evie that her demeanor had changed towards him. It bothered him. She didn't trust him around Evie. Could he blame her? Since their first encounter he had been running after her. He felt like an ass. She was the most honest and courageous person he had ever had the pleasure to meet. He held a glass of fifty-year-old scotch in his hand. He had poured it out of habit, but now looking at his pretend fiance he realized she was the only habit he truly wanted...

Agatha was running late to her own Engagement function. It was eleven-thirty when she had finally stirred. Heath had already left their suite and flashes of what had occurred the night before came to her. There was a knock on the door. Marilyn entered. Agatha held the covers closer to her naked body.

"I thought I would check on you. You're running late."

Agatha looked at her dazed.

"Your engagement Shower is starting in thirty minutes. All of your guests are here."

"What? Oh that's right! I completely forgot. Where's Heath?"

"He is in the study discussing business."

She wrapped the sheets around her and stood up.

"Looks like we had a great night last night." Marilyn was smiling.

Agatha pretended like it was no big deal. She shrugged as she made her way to the bathroom. Marilyn pinched her on her thigh as she passed her. Agatha yelped and then laughed.

"Alright, yes we did it. It was amazing, and stupid."

"Stupid? I've never heard it called that before." Marilyn said.

"I will be ready in twenty minutes thank you for waking me." She watched Marilyn leave the room and she went in the direction of the shower.

Seventeen minutes later She clasped on the diamond earrings Heath had given her last night as she hurriedly walked into Brockston Manor's greenhouse. It was simply beautiful. It was a lovely addition to the home. The room was large and constructed from glass. It was full of different rose bushes. The colors varying from dark pink to blood red. The smell light and sweet. She looked over at the ladies that formed her party today. She knew none of them. She scanned the room again and saw Fanny and Marilyn sitting alone as the other five women chit chatted in shrill snobby voices. Fanny looked so forlorn and alone. Her gaze was downcast and she looked ashamed. Once again, she wore a tight cocktail dress with a matching jacket. Her hair was done nicely and so was her makeup. Agatha looked back at the group and saw Evie sitting down on the bench with two of the other women while the rest circled her as if she were the guest of honor and this was her party. She was exchanging glances with the women who would then glare back at Fanny. Marilyn was busy setting out the centerpiece. Agatha was angry. These stuck-up rich socialites were being rude at her party. Evie thought she was running the show. Evie had taken things too far for Agatha and all thoughts of whether or not this was a 'real' engagement party left her head.

She cleared her throat and everyone walked over towards her.

"Darling, congratulations!"

"Aren't you a cutie. No wonder he's marrying you"

"We must have you over for dinner."

"Fanny! My friend!" She deliberately walked past the women and hugged Fanny. It felt good giving the ladies a taste of their own medicine.

Fanny's expression changed into that smile she had grown accustomed to seeing from her since that day she made Agatha sing. She would never forget that day. She owed it to this woman.

"Please, come sit. We have to catch up. We never got to play tennis." She put her arm around Fanny's shoulder as they turned and headed to the bench where Evie and the other woman had been congregating at.

"Excuse me ! " said one.

"Well I never!" said another

"Takes one to know one."

That was the last straw for Agatha. She whirled back around and walked back up to the group of overdressed snobs. Evie was, of course, standing in front of them. Always the ringleader thought Agatha.

"This is my engagement party! You are all dismissed !"

"What!" Evie said annoyed, "You think you can just dismiss us like school kids? Who in the hell do you think you are."

"Who I am?" she sarcastically pointed to herself.

Evie fell for the bait and nodded.

"Why darling, I am soon-to-be Mrs.Heath Brockston." She held the same smile Evie had held on her face the night prior.

Seeing Evie lose her cool was payback. She wasn't satisfied she wanted more.

"Looks like you lost him, Evie. Do what all losers do and go live under a rock."

She heard one of the wives sniggle. Evie turned around to see who it was, but couldn't. She was fuming now.

"You won't last three months. Besides, you cheated! You got him by poisoning me."

"And I would do it again! You have such a nicer attitude when your face is in a toilet."

"Agatha!"

All heads turned at the sound of Heath's baritone voice booming through the room. He was standing there behind the group of women. Agatha knew she had been busted.

Evie smiled that horrible sweet smile of hers leaned forward and whispered, "I spoke too soon..."

#  Flying South For The Winter

Agatha couldn't believe Heath had heard her say those horrible things to Evie. She quickly scanned the room. Marilyn was nowhere to be found. She was standing in front of the group of women with Fanny by her side.

Evie was smirking, and loving every minute of it.

Heath walked through the small crowd of women.

She immediately tried to explain, "Heath-"

"Is it true?"

She looked down at her feet. Why did she have to open her big mouth and lie? She wanted to explain it all then and there, but she had promised Marilyn she wouldn't. She didn't know what to say.

He yelled this time. "Is it true !"

"Yes." She mustered up some courage and looked up at him.

His hazel eyes were cold. He was angry with her.

"Leave," he said, and she walked quickly past him.

Fanny looked at him as if he were a complete stranger, like she had never seen him before in her life.

"All of you, get out !" He roared.

Evie walked up to him.

"See, Heath I told yo-"

"You too Evie. Leave! "

The look he gave her terrified her. It sent chills down her spine. She quickly went with the rest of the women and they all dispersed. The Brockston family temper was notorious. No one wanted it turned on them. He immediately started destroying the lovely decor in the greenhouse. He thought that was better than punching someone.

*****

Agatha was running up the stairs when she heard Fanny's voice.

"Agatha, please, slow down! " Fanny caught up with her halfway up the grand staircase. "Are you alright?" She seemed concerned.

She wouldn't give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She smiled at Fanny.

"Yes, I am fine. I guess I screwed it all up."She tried to smile to hide the pain.

"No, you didn't. You stood up for me. No one has ever done that for me since I have been married to my husband. I always feel so...so out of place. " She grabbed Agatha's hand and gave it a small squeeze of encouragement. "If he can't see you for the lovely, courageous woman you are then he doesn't deserve you. I will help you pack and take you home. I'm sure hubby won't mind."

They walked up the rest of the staircase together. Agatha went into the suite and packed as quickly as she could. Then she realized none of these items were hers. Heath had purchased everything for her. She put the luggage down, looked around the opulent bedroom, and walked out. Fanny had been standing outside in the hallway waiting for her. She looked surprised to see that her friend's hands were empty.

Agatha smiled and said, "Nothing here belongs to me."

Not even my own heart, she thought as she got into the limousine with Fanny and Mr. Geraint and drove away from Brockston Manor...

****

Heath was roaring drunk, and mad as hell. Agatha had turned out to be yet another dishonest, disappointing woman in his life. It was a damn shame. It bothered him because he had been so sure about her. She seemed like a genuine person. Evie had been right all along, still he wasn't going to marry her. She seemed all too eager to throw Agatha under the bus and he wondered what would happen if he ever got on her bad side. His plans for Brockston Shipping were going down the drain because of his stubbornness.

Mr. Geraint had left unexpectedly and that started the trend. In less than an hour his engagement luncheon was over before it began. Business put on pause yet again. His father had been right all along. He should marry for love. He had to admit it hurt even more to see that she had left all of her belongings here. She didn't want his gifts, yet she flaunted it in Evie's face. A walking contradiction, like most women. He was reminded of her everywhere in his bedroom suite. She had left the terry cloth robe exactly where she had taken it off the night before and flashes of their passionate lovemaking session came to his mind. She was so willing and seemed so innocent. Could she have faked that with him? That thought didn't sit well with him. He was an experienced lover. He had never had anyone fake it with him. He was sure her response to him in bed was genuine, and moments before he had wanted to whisk her away from her party to steal another taste of her, until he he had heard her confirm she had poisoned Evie and took her place as his fiancee', his blood ran cold. He had never really known her. What type of person would do that? He had to admit to himself he knew she had had a crush on him from the first time they spoke, most women did. He just didn't expect her to go through such great lengths to get his attention. Maybe she was a master manipulator, or maybe she got caught up in something she had no business, either way, he had to let her go. He couldn't jeopardize what he had set out to build with his family's legacy. Their reputation would be solidified in shipping history, but sitting here now holding the terry cloth robe that still smelled of her he knew he had already jeopardized something much bigger... his heart...

#  Four Weeks Later

For Agatha, it felt longer than four weeks since she last saw Heath at Brockston Manor. She hadn't realized just how much He had impacted her life and made her fall in love with him until she came back to her small quiet home and slept in her small full sized bed, alone. Now her home and life seemed stagnant and cold. She felt the loneliness wrap around her bones.

She was so very grateful for Fanny, her one true friend through all of this. Kind-hearted couldn't begin to describe her. She still considered Marilyn a friend. She hadn't heard from her since that entire incident had occurred, and she wondered if she ever would. She had disappeared and left Agatha to the wolves. It wasn't very pretty, but Agatha had survived. SHe had tried to contact her throughout the days that had followed, but is was no use. Maybe Marilyn wasn't really the friend Agatha thought she was after all. Maybe she had only pretended to be her friend to get her to fall in line with her plan. Agatha hated to think those were her supposed friend's motives. She wanted to believe that this once someone hadn't used her. It was becoming harder by the second to stay so certain.

When she had returned back to her normal life she hadn't expected Fanny to still want to be her friend, but Fanny didn't seem to care. She let Agatha know she was proud to have a friend like her, and a little tiff at a garden party wouldn't deter her from being her friend. They had become shopping partners and even went back to the same karaoke bar for drinks and delicious cuisine. Oddly enough, while they were enjoying their luncheon the DJ spotted her. Agatha was surprised he had recognized her.

At first, she thought he was trying to come on to her, but was quickly relieved to find out that wasn't the case. He high fived them both cheerfully, and shortly after informed them that when she and Heath had sung their duet a Record Producer by the name of Jackson Caden, had been in the audience watching and loved what he had heard. He had been looking for her ever since. That news had made Agatha feel like a karaoke Cinderella. The DJ went on to inform them that it wasn't unheard of to have Record Producers in the audience since this bar was notorious for having fresh musical talent that frequented the stage.

He quickly gave her the man's card. She phoned him a few days later. He had her meet him at his recording studio, JC Records. It was located uptown. She couldn't believe her good fortune.

She invited Fanny to come along with her because without her this opportunity would have never happened. She was growing more and more nervous with every step she took inside the building. She was reminded of Heath kissing her nerves away so perfectly. She pushed that memory aways before it became too painful. She was awestruck as she walked past the familiar names that were etched on plaques and platinum records that lined the walls and hallways of his studio.

Before coming she had done her research and learned that Jackson Caden owned the fifth largest independent record label in the United States. He was known for his generous nature and his keen ability to find a diamond in the rough. Agatha in that moment understood her past and what it had been preparing her for. Jackson seemed very amicable to her and very willing to assist her in her musical endeavors. Her elation was indescribable.It was an out of body experience for her.

He asked her to sing for him and she gladly obliged. She sang him the song she had got caught singing by Heath. Singing it was bittersweet because it reminded her of him. He seemed to inadvertently be in her thoughts. Jackson immediately had her record it for him. She had no idea that within the next few days she would be signed to a major record label, and handed a check for thirty-thousand dollars.

Jackson wanted her to work closely with him and his team and move her to California to meet with other recording artists he thought she would be able to collaborate with on her first album. An album he hoped would go platinum. This was what she had dreamed of all of her life. He thought her sound was right and he loved her look and personality. She told him she would give it some thought and get back to him about it.

Now, here she was, in the same cafe' she had tracked Heath down in the first day on the job. She was sitting by the window watching a passerby as she sipped her coffee. She was deep in thought about everything that had and was happening to her. Her dreams were coming true one after the other. She didn't want to admit that she was grateful to Marilyn for bringing out her inner beauty, but she had to. She wore her beauty proudly now and had started to find her own sense of style. She only wished things had ended differently. If he only would have seen through her charade at the party. She had given herself to him the night before. She thought that would have been a strong indication of her trust and his. She thought they understood each other. He showed her that he didn't. He had spent almost a month with her and still treated her like a stranger. She knew what she was getting into, she just wished that it wouldn't have gotten so out of control. She found herself missing him even though she knew a man like Heath never missed anyone. If anything, he was making some deal overseas continuing to secure his family legacy, and completely forgetting she existed.

There was nothing here left for her. She needed a change of scenery. Everything here reminded her of him. She couldn't help wonder what he was doing and if he thought about her the way she constantly thought about him. She flipped open her song notebook and began writing. At least her heartache would make for a great album...

*****

For the past month, Heath had been absolutely miserable. Not only did he lose Mr. Geraint's trust in merging their companies, he lost his position as Chief Executive Officer at Brockston Shipping. His father had not been pleased about what had occurred at his residence. The business associates' wives were offended at his fiancee's behavior. She would never make it in his world. He had blown the deal that would solidify Brockston Shipping's international name. He lost Agatha and control of Brockston Shipping all in one fell swoop.

It was only a matter of time before someone decided to try a hostile takeover on his company. He had to fix the mess he had caused for his family by his selfish actions. Maybe his father had been right. He would rather die than admit that fact to his father.

Today, he was barking orders at Marilyn. He knew he was being difficult, but he didn't care. He had to get another deal going. Mr. Geraint wouldn't get the best of him, C.E.O or not. It was his responsibility to make sure he did his job.

Marilyn couldn't take it anymore. It was time for her headstrong, arrogant, foolish, and very lovesick boss to be set straight.

She gently knocked on the door.

"Enter."

"Heath, may I speak to you for a moment?" She asked, but before he could rudely shoo her out of his office she sat down in the chair in front of his desk.

He exhaled loudly, knowing when Marilyn wanted to 'talk' it was usually about something he didn't care to talk about.

"Speak."

He didn't look up from his task when he spoke to her. Since Agatha and that whole charade blew up in everyone's face Marilyn had noticed that he was overworking himself to the point of exhaustion. It was becoming increasingly difficult to work for him. He kept trying to reassure her it was only because he still needed to prove to his father that he was going to save the company, and needed to prove Austin wrong and show him that he could do it. Marilyn knew that was a lie. He missed Agatha. Work was just an excuse to not think about her. This was all Marilyn's fault. She should have never opened her mouth to his father about Heath. She should have never told him that his son needed to settle down in order to run the company smoothly. Looking back on it now she had just wanted to see him happy and in love. She knew his father was capable of making that happen, or so she thought. She got to see that happiness briefly. It was all due to Agatha. Agatha and Heath were great people, and perfect for one another. She never imagined she would be the one who matched them and ultimately ended them. She had only wanted the best for the both of them. Evie was toxic and Agatha needed to be shown just how enchanting she was if only given the chance.

His father had promised her that was what this plan would be. A quest for finding Heath true love and solidifying the company's name. It sounded easy enough, and so fantastic. Austin had a way of convincing her to believe in him like no other man could. She loved him blindly now, and she had paid dearly for it. She should have known better. Yes, she loved him, but Austin had been a powerful man for many, many years, and men like that didn't relinquish power even after they were dethroned. They continued to collect it. Sadly, she knew power would always mean more to him than her love and devotion. Yes, he treated her with care and respect. Yes, for the past eight years she had been his mistress. She knew who he was now. She had figured that out at the expense of Heath and Agatha's hearts, and dare she add her own. She watched Heath silently hoping he would look up and acknowledge her. He didn't. She spoke bluntly.

"Agatha is moving to California."

That made him stop and look up at her. He showed no outward emotion but didn't stop her from continuing.

"Fanny Geraint called me yesterday to tell me the news. I thought you should know."

He squeezed the bridge of his nose and spoke,"I'm not surprised. She has money now and looks. I'm sure she will do fine roping in the next wealthy man that comes into her life."

"Heath Brockston! You should be ashamed of yourself for saying such a horrible thing about Agatha." Marilyn was shocked at what she had heard come out of Heath's mouth. He sounded so bitter to her.

"Marilyn, I don't want to discuss this."

She shot up from her chair, acting more like his mother than his administrative assistant now.

"I don't give a damn what you wish to discuss ! We will discuss this right now! There is something you must know. Your father and I have not been very forthcoming about some things. Heath, this was all my fault. I'm so sorry."

"Marilyn, don't be. Don't blame yourself. You just interviewed her. What are you talking about ? You didn't know that she would poison Evie and fool me."

"That's just it Heath, she returned your money yesterday along with the contract." She watched for an outward reaction. She continued when she saw none. "I was the one who poisoned Evie. Agatha knew nothing about it."

"No..." the words fell off of his lips. He felt sick to his stomach.

Could she be covering for her friend? He looked into her eyes and realized Marilyn was telling him the truth. He knew the truth and still his lips asked the question.

"Then why did she say all that she did ? And how the hell did Evie get an invitation to Brockston Manor ?"

She dreaded telling him the full story. What would he think of her? They had known each other almost three decades and she had never done one improper thing. It wasn't an excuse. It was the fact she knew there was no going back now. She walked over to the window and looked out at the view as she had watched him do so many times before when he was having conflicting emotions about a business deal. She spoke.

"She was emotionally drained. She got tired of having to have a stiff upper lip for you, and the tense situation we both put her in. Poor thing. Evie had been tormenting her the night of the dinner party, just before we found you actually. She also turned all of the wives against Mrs. Geraint at the garden party. Agatha didn't like that and decided to kick them all out. Evie challenged her and that was when you walked in. I poisoned Evie that day at the boutique. I convinced Agatha to go in her place. I thought it would work.You would see her and you would stop the charade, and fall in love. I wanted Agatha to be seen by you as the beautiful woman I know her to be, and you did. She had no idea about any of this until it was too late. She wanted me to come clean about it, but I couldn't. I was given strict orders by your father to just go along with it. I hate I betrayed her trust as well as yours. She was a great friend to me, and to you. A really good girl. I know you two have feelings for each other, even if it was supposed to be a charade. I didn't have the courage to stand up for her. I ran. I'm a damned coward. What kind of friend am I? I don't want you to do the same thing. She is alone in the world and she doesn't have to be. You don't have to be either."

Heath stood up from his desk. This shocking news changed everything. It changed the way he felt, and right now he felt like the biggest ass on the face of the planet. He had to find her and apologize for his insensitive behavior. He had to make all of this right and the only way to do that was to show her. He wanted to marry her, for real this time. He was in love with Agatha. He had been in love with her since the cafe'. That self-realization hit him like a ton of bricks.

"I'm so sorry Heath. I told your father about your appointments in confidence, and he used it against you. He thought Agatha was all a part of your plan. He wanted you to fail, so he invited Evie to see if you would take the bait. Evie had plans of her own. I feel horrible. I'm furious with your father. I was blinded by my own love for him and he has used it for his own selfish reasons."

She heard her voice shaking from the tears she was holding back.

"Marilyn, it's o.k."

She turned around to see him standing behind her. She smiled and he hugged her.

"How could I ever be upset with you? You're like a second mother to me. You have been there for me when no one else was. My father adores you. You're timing is always impeccable. Thank you for telling me. Thank you for looking out for me. I have to go." He kissed her on her cheek, turned on his heels and walked out of his office to find the one that almost got away...

****

Agatha was packing boxes and listening to an instrumental music track. She was trying to pack and find tracks for the songs she had already written for her album. Jackson had flooded her email with music and her home with her favorite flowers, Lilacs. She enjoyed receiving both.

She was singing lines to the instrumental music that she had memorized from her notepad as she put various household items into boxes. Keeping busy was a necessity for her. She had never noticed it before, but she hated sleeping alone. She made a point to push herself harder than she did the day before so she would fall into a dreamless sleep. She could admit she was heartbroken. It did nothing for her. At least she had one glorious night with the man she loved,and a dream she never gave up hope on came true.

"If only our love ..." she began to sing, and wrapped the glass in the newspaper, gently placing it inside of the box marked 'dishes'.

She hoped her new life in California would be much more positive than the one she had led here. She still wore her contact lenses and her clothes were casual but still cute. She felt silly wearing mink coats and thousand dollar shoes around the house. Heath's hazel eyes flashed in her mind and the sudden urge to hug him and tell him the news of her leaving overwhelmed her. He was one of the few people who knew about her gift and had encouraged her to use it. She was thankful for that.

There was a knock at her door. She placed the unwrapped glass atop the wrapped glasses in the box she was packing and went to see who it was. She opened it without looking through the peephole, expecting it to be the movers. It was Heath instead. He stood on her doorstep holding a large bouquet of African lilies. She wasn't expecting him and didn't know what to say. She was very surprised and a little happy to see him.

He looked tired to her. She could see the dark circles under his eyes from fatigue, and his hair was slightly messy. He wore a black suit with a black tie and no jacket. He still looked handsome as ever to her. It took everything she had not to run into his arms. She couldn't help but feel elated he was there holding one of the largest bouquets she had ever received.This was everything she had ever wanted from him, but it was poor timing, which seemed to be the story of her life.

"Are you going to invite me in?" He asked half-smiling.

"No," she said.

That answer shocked him.

"No?"

"No."

"Why?"

"What do you want Heath?"

"I just want to talk. Here, these are for you. A peace offering." He pushed the bouquet towards her and she took them. Their hands brushed and a spark of electricity shot through them both. She knew he was expecting her to say 'thank you'. She didn't.

Heath felt like Agatha made him stand on her doorstep for an hour before she spoke again to him. In reality it was only a few minutes. He watched as she smelled the flowers and completely ignored him. He wanted to throw that damn bouquet, take her into his arms and kiss that scowl off of her cute face. She looked very comfortable, wearing ripped denim jeans with a black tank top. Her hair was in a messy bun and she wore no shoes. She looked beautiful and he realized he had missed seeing her walking around his home. He needed her back in his life, and in that instant, he realized what his father had been talking about. He would do anything for Agatha if only she would be his.

Closure was something Agatha needed from Heath. She wanted to be free of him. No matter how much she loved him. Flashbacks of how he spoke to her at the engagement brunch still rang true in her mind. He didn't know her, or love her the way she loved him. She had to tell him how she felt, even if he didn't want to hear it.

Her eyes drank him in.

He smirked.

"Come in," she said after a few minutes of complete silence,and making him wait like he was some delivery man.

He followed her inside and couldn't help but look at her firm buttocks in the tight jeans she wore. They had rips strategically placed under her buttocks and knees. He tried to keep his eyes on her back, but the small sway in her hips was almost mesmerizing. He had never been inside of her home. He noticed It was small but very clean and feminine. She had music playing. She was moving. That realization seemed even more concrete seeing the boxes strategically placed on her furniture. He had gotten here just in time he thought to himself. He couldn't lose her again. She didn't seem the least bit happy to see him. That bothered him.

"Please have a seat." She offered politely.

They both sat down at the small table she used as her kitchen table. She moved the box out of the way so she could see him.

"Would you care for anything? "

"Yes."

"O.k., I have coffee, tea-"

"And what about you? Can I have you?"

Agatha looked shocked. She hadn't expected him to be so forthcoming. She stood up and almost tripped over her own chair. Heath quickly got up and rescued her from a fall. He didn't let go of her.

"Heath-"

She stood up and began moving away from the table. He followed her.

"Agatha, I'm so sorry." His eyes were pleading with her, "I should have known you were standing up for your friend. I walked in and I made assumptions. It was so very wrong of me to do that to you."

She had stopped walking and they both stood in the living room. He saw that as a good sign and continued talking.

"I wanted you to know you are unlike any woman I have ever met. You are smart, funny, beautiful, enchanting, and courageous. I can't get you off of my mind. I apologize for my horrible behavior. I want to spend the rest of my life making it up you."

Agatha's mouth went dry at what Heath said to her. She loved him too. She had never thought he would love her in return. She felt so happy and relieved that he had found out the truth. Marilyn ! She thought. Marilyn had finally told him. She reminded herself to try and contact her, maybe, this time, she wouldn't send her calls straight to voicemail.

Heath reached into his pocket and pulled out a seven-karat princess cut diamond ring. Agatha couldn't believe it was real.

"What does this mean?" She asked half-dazed.

"It means I love you Agatha, with all my heart, and I want you to be my wife. Tell me you love and need me too."

Agatha felt the tears welling up inside of her. Those were the words she had longed to hear from him. Her wish had come true. He had come back for her. She let go of his strong shoulders and righted herself. She loved him with all of her heart.

"Heath, I don't know what to say."

"Just say 'yes'"

"It's not that simple."

"Isn't it? I forgave you and you forgave me. WE can move on to our future together."

"You forgave me?" She was becoming irritated at his words. "What did I do?"

"I didn't mean it like that. Agatha, please."

She turned her back to him and walked over to her couch. She sat down. He followed.

"Heath, I've never been pretty. I've never had anyone look at me for more than three seconds before forgetting they were looking at me. I wasn't expecting to feel the way I did about you. I'm sorry. At your father's home you just kicked me out without so much as a second thought, and now I must do the same. My life is finally starting, and I want to see all that it has to offer. That can't include you in it."

Heath didn't like hearing this news. He rushed over and sat by her, grabbed her by both her shoulders and turned her to face him.

"What do you mean it doesn't have me in it? You love me still. I know you do. Agatha."

She said nothing to him then, just looked into his eyes. She was holding back tears and hoped he wouldn't notice. She only had to keep it together long enough to run him off.

"Please go. I have a lot more packing to do before the big move."

"You're serious? Agatha!"

She broke out of his grip and stood up. He stood up, pulled her to him and captured her lips with his own. It was as if time stood still. Agatha felt the world melt away as his lips hungrily kissed her own. She had forgotten how great of a kisser he was. She felt a sigh slip out as his tongue found its way into her mouth. She broke the kiss at the intimate gesture.

"Please go." Was all she could say. She was out of breath and felt completely ashamed of her behavior.

He looked dazed. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. They had just shared and earth shattering kiss and she still wanted him to leave. All he wanted was more, more of Agatha. She didn't want more. She wanted him to leave. He felt so small. Like an ant being crushed. He let her go and stormed out of the house.

Agatha watched him leave and in doing so he left the door wide open. She stood with her knees shaking.Her arms were crossed over her body. She felt like taking a shower. He had made her so hot with that kiss. She went and shut the door behind him as the music played in the background.

He had proposed to her, and as much as she had wanted to say 'yes' she knew she couldn't do it. Heath deserved a woman that would be his equal in and out of the boardroom. That wasn't her. She felt the tears still stinging and she finally let them go free. She should be happy. She stood up to him and she was moving forward into the future. She just wished she could stop looking back at the past...

#  Pecked To Death By Ducks

The days were dwindling down before Agatha was to leave for California to start her new life. She was excited and anxious all at once. The days seemed to fly by. She was on the countdown literally. Five days were left, and then she would be forever gone from this city.

It wasn't all bad she thought to herself. She and Jackson were becoming quite close. The nervous apprehension she had felt about leaving this city was melting away with each passing day she got to hang out and collaborate with him. It was like she almost wouldn't miss Heath, almost.

Today, she was meeting with Fanny for some shopping and lunch. The Geraint's had been in Europe the past couple of weeks, and Fanny had promised Agatha when she returned back to the states that they would catch up. She had contacted Agatha last night, letting her know they were back in town. She sat down on the bench that was in front of the shopping mall. She was waiting for her now. Agatha smiled at how comfortable she had become with shopping and girl talk. If someone had told her eight months ago that this would be her life she wouldn't have believed them. Her thoughts traveled back to Heath and his proposal. He was so sincere. The look in his eyes had melted her heart. He really did want her, or at least he thought he did. Her heart still skipped a beat when she thought about him. She wondered if he was alright, and then shook the thought from her mind when she saw Fanny sashaying in her direction.

Agatha smiled at her friend. She could be spotted a mile away with all the jewelry she wore. Today, she wore a cream skirt with a navy blazer and a large, floppy, cream hat.

They hugged.

"Agatha, I have missed you." Fanny squealed with delight as she held both Agatha's hands in her own.

"I've missed you too. You must tell me all about the trip."

"What's to tell. Husband keeps refusing to sell the company. He is tired and so am I. I just wish we could retire already."

"Maybe he doesn't want to," Agatha suggested.

"Or maybe he does. He just needs some convincing. All men need convincing."

"Yes, if they know what's good for them,"

They smiled and chatted as they strolled through the mall enjoying the many shops they walked past.

"I have been brushing up on my 'snobby wife' talk."

They both laughed again at Fanny's comment.

"Well it's paying off you sound extra snobby."

"Enough about my growing vocabulary. I want to know what happened between you and Heath. Please tell me you made that boy beg and crawl back to you."

Agatha loved Fanny's way with words. They were so colorful.

"He showed up at my place unannounced last week, holding a huge bouquet of African Lilies. I didn't know what to say. I was so surprised. He came in and I offered him a refreshment and then he confessed his feelings for me and then he proposed."

"What? That boy sure doesn't waste any time does he?"

"Yes. I mean, he apologized for the way he acted at the Manor. He also brought a lovely and probably very expensive ring with him."

"What did you say?"

"I told him 'no'"

"Well, aren't you a little dream crusher?" Fanny teased.

"Fanny! What was I supposed to do? Tell him 'yes' ? He humiliated me in front of those women so easily, and he dismissed my feelings as if I meant nothing. I don't ever want to feel that way again, especially by the man that I love. I don't care how much I love that person. Obviously, they don't love me the same way. I have everything I could have ever dreamed of right now. I'm moving and finally starting the life I always wanted to live. Is that so bad?"

"Ah honey, nothing is bad. It's your life. I'm sorry. I wish life was a lot easier, but it never is. When I first met my husband he was married to a crazy witch. I was a showgirl at the time, and I thought how lovely it would be to be his wife. People have always thought he and I were lovers while he was married and that wasn't the case. We were more friends than anything. He needed someone to talk to and I needed a little guidance. We waited two years after she filed for a divorce. The day we were married was supposed to be the happiest day of my life, but it hasn't been. I love my husband very much, don't get me wrong, but I can't stand all these socialites and debutantes who talk about me to my face just because I wasn't born into money. We all have our problems in life Aggy that's what makes it worth living. If Heath really loves you he won't give up on you. Love is complicated but beautiful. Now, enough of this somber talk we have to find us some dresses."

"For what?"

"For my fortieth birthday party of course. It's actually two days after you are in California, but I'm pushing it up to your last night here. So it will be a going away party as well as a birthday party."

"Fanny, that is so sweet of you. Thank you."

"Don't mention it that's what friends are for. Now, c'mon we have to meet someone in an hour..."

An hour later Agatha and Fanny arrived at Longview Country club. The valet opened the door for both ladies and they were escorted into the immaculate place. This was Agatha's first time coming here. Fanny informed her she loved to eat here. She said she enjoyed making the richies uncomfortable. The maitre d greeted them both.

"Good day to you Ms. Geraint. The usual table?"

"Oh, no Bradley dear. We are dining with someone else." She informed him as she looked past him and scanned the room. She spotted her. "I see them. Thanks, darlin' " She said and tipped him a twenty dollar bill.

He quickly put it into his pocket and moved out of their way. Agatha followed Fanny to a table in the far corner that overlooked the lake. She saw Marilyn sitting there as well and felt her heart in her throat. This was the woman who lied to her and betrayed her trust and friendship. She watched as Fanny hugged Marilyn and both women sat down. She remained standing. Fanny looked up at her.

"C'mon and sit down."

She still didn't move or take her eyes off of Marilyn.

"Please Agatha." Marilyn pleaded.

She sat.

Fanny let out a sigh of relief and spoke to Agatha.

"I apologize for putting you on the spot like this. Marilyn called me and wanted me to set this up."

Agatha still didn't look at Fanny. She was staring at Marilyn.

Marilyn felt her uncomfortable stare and felt downright guilty for everything that had happened to her. She hoped she could make amends today and maybe try to get her friend back, but the way she was staring at her with that stone expression she wasn't so sure.

"Why?" Was all she asked.

Marilyn knew she was addressing her. She answered.

"I was stupid."

"That's not a good enough reason. Why?"

"I did it because I wanted to make-"

"Don't." She stopped her before she could finish. "This was not about my happiness, or Heaths. If that were the case you would have come to my aid and defended me. You would have told him the truth when I asked you to. I deserved the truth then and I deserve the truth now !" Her voice was an octave below a shout.

Patrons turned their heads in the direction of their table.

"I'm trying. This is a lot harder for me than I had expected."

Agatha scoffed at that.

"Really? A lot harder than being publicly humiliated by the man you love in front of a group of people who didn't think you belonged ? You were my friend. My best friend and you still can't tell me the truth."

Agatha stood up once more, grabbed her purse and stormed out the restaurant before the two women could see her tears. She was in the lobby when they had both caught up with her.

"Agatha please, I'm so sorry. You're right. I don't know what that's like. I should have told you the truth. Austin put me up to it."

"What?" Agatha and Fanny said simultaneously.

Fanny looked around the lobby to see if anyone was watching them. They were not.

"I think we should take this conversation somewhere else," She said in a hushed tone.

Agatha and Marilyn agreed and the three ladies left. They all rode to Fanny's penthouse located in the center of the city.

"Where is your Concierge?" Marilyn asked as she walked around the massive living room that overlooked the city. Agatha had never been here either and she loved the way the light seemed to make the room more inviting.

" She isn't due back until tomorrow. Besides, we need a spot where we can all talk. I think the Club heard about as much as they needed to.Don't you two think?"

Both ladies felt bad. Agatha was the first to speak.

"I'm sorry Fanny. I was so upset." She looked at Marilyn. "I apologize for losing my cool at the Club."

Fanny smiled.

"Oh quit apologizing and sit down." Fanny chided as she poured them all a glass of wine.

Agatha happily drank hers as she got situated on the cream chaise located in the living room of the penthouse.

"Agatha, I know you may never want to hear from me again, but I am sorry. It was foolish and naive of me to think I could trust that man. Heath really does love you. He's been miserable ever since he made you leave. I don't deserve your friendship. I wasn't there for you when you really needed me to be, but I am here for you now. I am here."

Agatha could no longer hold in the emotion she was feeling. Marilyn had sounded sincere and she knew she was truly sorry for what had occurred. She watched as Marilyn sat down beside her and put her hand in hers.

"Please, forgive me." Marilyn continued.

Agatha noticed she was crying as well.

"Marilyn, I forgave you the moment I left Brockston Manor. Had you answered my phone calls you would have known that."

They all laughed at that.

"So you love him?" Agatha asked Marilyn.

"I've loved that man for years. I have to let him go. He's no good for me. All he cares about is power. He made me believe in him so he could continue to manipulate the people around him. I've never felt so used, and foolish." The tears were streaming down her face now.

Fanny handed her a handkerchief. And sat on the opposite side of her. Both ladies had their arms wrapped around her now, and she was glad Fanny had convinced her to talk to Agatha. She didn't feel so alone now. She was still heartbroken, though.

"How could I have been so stupid, and blind?" She cried.

"Honey, don't be so hard on yourself. People believe what they want to when they are in love. My husband has done business with the Brockstons' for years and he says Austin never says an unkind word about you. He also says whenever he mentions you he looks like a giddy teenager."

"What's that suppose to mean?"Marilyn asked as she dabbed at the corners of her eyes with the handkerchief.

"Well, don't you see honey? He loves you too. He just doesn't know how to say it. In my dealings with the opposite sex, I find men, especially very wealthy and powerful men are socially inept when it comes to the opposite sex. He is used to the relationship being on his terms so now you just have to flip it. Show him this isn't business, this is love, and if he's too stubborn to see that dump him. I don't care how much money he wants to continue to make."

"Marilyn, Fanny is right. Have you already told him you're done with the relationship?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't think it is a relationship. You don't understand Agatha. Times have changed immensely since Austin and I began this affair. It was frowned upon. He was a widow. I was still married, even though my ex-husband left. We have met every Thursday and Sunday for the past eight years. We meet in the same place, the Waldorf Astoria at exactly 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.."

Agatha was shocked at her friend's admission. She was a mistress. It all sounded so lonely the way she explained it.

"I asked him one time what he thought this was between us." A faint smile was on her lips as she spoke.

" What did he say?" Fanny inquired, already dreading the answer.

"Convenience." She looked down at her lap. Then back up at Agatha and Fanny. "So you see, there's no use in saying anything. I've made the decision to resign from Brockston Shipping within the next couple of days or so. I have a nice nest egg saved. I have more than enough qualifications to run a company, if I choose to work."

" We're here for you," Agatha said.

"Enough talk about men. Now, Marilyn I wanted to ask if you wanted to help me plan this going away party for Agatha."

Marilyn cheered up.

"How delightful! I would love to!" She looked at Agatha now. " Fanny told me you were heading for California. When do you leave?"

"Five more days."

"Oh my goodness ! That is very soon! What about Heath?"

"I'm following my dreams. Unfortunately, Heath was more of a fantasy. I'm going to focus solely on music and-"

"And that hot young man who signed you on." Fanny playfully interjected.

Agatha blushed. "Hot? Why, I hadn't even noticed." She lied.

All three ladies laughed and it once again felt like Agatha had people in her corner. She felt loved...

*****

Heath had been drowning himself in a bottle of cheap scotch in a hole in the wall bar in the wrong part of town. He had a death wish ever since Agatha had turned him down. He did everything right he said to himself. But did he? He knew from the first moment he had laid eyes upon Agatha she was different. That didn't seem to stop him from treating her like she was like every other gold digging female he had been with. He couldn't stop thinking about the way he kissed her in her apartment and why he didn't just take her into her bedroom. She was his, even if she didn't think so. He didn't want to think of her much-deserved success in music because that dream was taking her farther and farther away from him. He wished then he could rewind time. He would go back to the night they had made love and he would make sure she awoke in his arms. He downed the liquor in front of him, banged his glass on the bar counter twice. The bartender quickly refilled his drink. He looked around the dimly lit room. It was filled with bikers and prostitutes. It wasn't his usual hangout. He was tired of going to his usual hangouts. He needed to let go of his anger. He downed the contents of his glass once more, tapped the shoulder of a large biker who sat a barstool away from him. As soon as the man looked at Heath he punched him in the nose and the brawl began.

Heath hadn't felt this alive in years. He was fighting two guys at a time and didn't feel it when they landed a couple of punches. After it was all done he felt like his old self again. Not Heath Brockston C.E.O, but Heat Brockston before His brother died, before the pressure of taking care of his family and the legacy they protected became an overwhelming duty, just Heath. He didn't feel drunk either. He felt elated. He apologized to the bartender and let him know he would take care of the damages and walked out of the bar into the dark parking lot to his Porsche.

He saw a figure standing beside it. The closer he came to his car he was able to make out the figure. It was a woman. It was Fanny Geraint. What did she want? He was in no condition to be seen by her. He noticed she looked more irritated than scared, and that amused him.

"Good evening Mrs.Geraint, how are you?"

"Heath Brockston I do believe you are roarin' drunk." She smiled at him.

He stood a few inches in front of her.

"At least you didn't buy the cheap stuff," she said as she fanned the alcohol fumes away from her.

"Were you meeting your Husband here tonight?"

"No. He has no idea I'm here. I came to speak with you."

"What? Why? How did you find me? I know you've heard that I am no longer Chief Executive Officer of Brockston Shipping."

"Yes, I did hear that, but I'm sure you and I could work together and change all that."

Those words peaked his interest. What was she up to?

"Let's not stay out here all night. Mr. Brockston won't you let me take you home."

"I'm not going home." He said quickly. Everything in his home reminded him of her, Agatha. She had slept in his bed. She cooked in the kitchen, and now that she wasn't there the lack of her presence was too much for him to bear. He was staying at the Ritz indefinitely.

" Well alright, how about we sober you up and chitchat ?"

He nodded.

She took him by the arm and guided him into the back of her limo.

"Where to Mr. Brockston?"

"Diner on 10th."

Fanny looked at her driver. He nodded his head and they were off.

It took three cups of coffee, four Advil, a red bull and a stack of buttermilk pancakes for Heath to sober up. Fanny watched in amazement as he ate and drank like a man who had been held prisoner in a third world country. Something seemed different about Heath. In the light of the diner, she could see he had been fighting. A slight bruise was forming under his right eye and his knuckles were scratched.

They sat in silence and Fanny hoped her plan would work.

"Why are you no longer the C.E.O of Brockston Shipping?"

"Because I lost your husband's account."

"What do you mean?"

"The debacle that occurred at my father's estate with my er, fiance."

"Oh, that. That was more my fault actually. Agatha is such a sweet girl. She was only standing up for me. You know, I've always felt like an outsider when it comes to my husband and his circle of friends. They look down on me and laugh at the way I'm dressed and how I speak. The only time they are remotely nice or courteous is when they want something from my husband. Your fiance is the only person I have met that genuinely liked me for me and not who I was married to."

That statement made Heath feel low. Fanny was a bubbly, beautiful, southern woman. He hated to hear that his peers and colleagues treated her so harshly. It wasn't uncommon. He thought back to the way Evie had spoken to Agatha when she had first met her.

"I'm sorry."

"Oh, don't be. Your fiance' only wanted to make me feel welcomed. She was only playing her part, and in doing so I'm afraid she got the brunt of it, from you and everyone else. She had nowhere to go y'know. I let her go with us. My husband and I are quite fond of her, like a daughter we never had."

"So am I."

"Are you?"

"Yes."

She knew that couldn't have been easy for him to admit to her.

"I'm in quite a dilemma. My husband trusts no one when it comes to his company."

"I know. He is a lot like my father."

"Why should he trust you with his company? He has worked hard. Sacrificed more than he would care to let anyone know."

"I know that Mr. Geraint is a well-disciplined man. I know that Brockston Shipping has just become financially reliable and no longer has to outsource. We are looking to expand our company and take it to an international level. Mr.Geraint would still be the head of the stockholders and any changes we made would go directly through him. I've watched him and my father work together and then plot against each other. I've seen the marriages and the bittersweet triumph of a deal. I want to be better than my father I want to make sure the legacy he built will still be here when I have my children."

"So does my husband. What are you going to do about Aggy?"

"Who? Oh, you mean Agatha? I don't know. She turned me down flat. She is set on leaving this city and starting over."

Fanny smiled mischievously, reached into her purse and took out a lavender envelope. She slid it across the table. Heath opened it. It was an invitation. He looked at Fanny puzzled. She lightly chuckled.

"It's my birthday party and also Agatha's going away party. Maybe you can talk some sense into them both."

Heath warmed up to that idea. He would do anything to see her again. The very least he could do would be to apologize to Mr. Geraint for his poor conduct.

Fanny looked at her watch.

" I must get going. This was a nice chat Heath." She stood up and smoothed her skirt. "Oh, and one other thing." She leaned close to him. "If you ever hurt her again I will personally see to it you are made into a pair of shoes." She waited for her comment to register and when it did she righted herself, smiled and walked out of the diner.

Heath was once again left alone. He turned the invitation over in his hands. He would get to see her once again and this time, he wouldn't take 'no' for an answer...

The Waldorf Astoria: Thursday

Austin was in the hotel lounge enjoying an espresso and reading the newspaper. He couldn't believe that after eight years he still had butterflies in his stomach whenever he met Marilyn for their rendezvous. Marilyn was his safe place. He could always rely on her kindness and warm affection. He had grown accustomed to her and the secret affair they had been sharing all this time. Last Thursday hadn't gone very well they had argued and looking back on it now he should have been more considerate towards her feelings. She alway seemed to be when it came to his and his needs.

A waiter holding a silver platter with a folded piece of paper atop it approached his table.

He took the note and dismissed the waiter with a nod. He opened it and knew it was from Marilyn. The note was short but to the point it read; 'My Dearest Austin, I can no longer see you here, or at work. Thank you for all you've done. I need more. All the best. M.'

He ripped up the note and stuck it inside the glass of water that sat on the table. He felt an emotion he thought he would never feel. One he hadn't felt in years. Rejection. Austin couldn't believe his misfortune. He took a cigar from his breast pocket, lit it and walked out of the hotel and into his car. He had lost something more valuable than he had cared to admit...

#  Geraint's Party

Fanny sent a car for both Agatha and Marilyn. Tonight was bittersweet for both of them. Marilyn would miss her friend dearly when she went away, and Agatha would miss her and Fanny as well. She had never had anyone throw her a party and being the guest of honor frightened her a little. Tonight, she wore a Floral print A-Line Princess Sweetheart Floor-Length Chiffon Evening Dress With Ruffles. Her hair was worn in a chignon. She wore no jewelry except for the half karat earrings she owned. Fanny had told her to invite as many people as she liked. Usually, she would have declined the offer and not invited anyone, this time however, she invited Jackson. She enjoyed his company and thought he would be fun in a party setting.

Marilyn Looked just as beautiful as Agatha. She looked regal in her black, sequin cocktail dress. She was smiling, but Agatha knew she was unhappy. They were both announced as they entered the party.

"My goodness," Marilyn said in awe.

"It's breathtaking," finished Agatha as she looked at the elaborate decorations that filled Fanny's home. It was a massive home, filled with music and laughter.

"Yes. I had no idea."

"We should have."

They laughed.

"What are you two laughing about?"

They both whirled around to see Fanny smiling at them.

All three hugged.

"Don't you two ladies look fantastic." She complimented them both. "Agatha I think someone has spotted you."

She looked in the direction Fanny was looking in. It was Jackson. He looked very handsome in his tuxedo. Agatha was glad she had invited him.

"My Goodness, he is gorgeous Agatha," Marilyn admitted.

"Yes, he is," Fanny added.

Agatha found it amusing that her friends thought her new boss was gorgeous.

Their eyes met. He smiled at her. She returned the smile, although she felt nothing but platonic feelings for him. She had learned her lesson from Heath. Never mix business with pleasure, no matter how handsome.

"If you two ladies will excuse me. I have to go say hello now that we've stared the poor man down."

"Good luck," Fanny said with a smile.

"Just look at her dress she doesn't need luck tonight." Marilyn said.

Agatha walked forward through the steadily growing crowd of guests to Jackson. When she reached him she spoke.

"I'm so thrilled you could make it."

"I'm so glad you invited me. You look great in that dress."

He was openly appraising her.

She couldn't help but smile at the compliment.

" Thank you."

"Would you care for a drink?" He asked as he flagged down a waiter holding a tray of drinks. He retrieved two. One for himself and one for Agatha.

"Yes, I would. Thank you."

She took a sip of the wine he handed her and scanned the room.

There he was. She thought her mind was playing tricks on her, but it wasn't. It was him. She tried not care. Fanny had planned this. She was sure of it.

"I've been really impressed by you, Agatha." Jackson said, "You seem to have it all worked out."

Agatha was flattered but knew it was far from the truth.

"Thank you. I don't think I do."

"The greats never do." He said as he winked at her.

She beamed at the compliment.

Heath saw Agatha from across the room. She was looking absolutely gorgeous to him, talking to a man. He had never seen him before. He was instantly jealous and wanted to whisk her away from this party before he never got to see her again. He needed this night to last forever. He knew it wouldn't, so he would have to make the most of it. He watched from afar as her eyes sparkled when she laughed at whatever the man was saying to her and he was reminded of the way she laughed like that when they were together. She would be his in due time. He would wait for her. He was sure of that. However, she wanted to do it was fine with him as long as she would have him. She looked happy and familiar with the man. He wished she could feel his gaze and turn and look at her, and just as he had wished it , it happened. Agatha looked in his direction and they saw one another. Her expression was no longer happy. It was one of surprise and possibly sadness. He made a decision then and there that he would wait to get her alone. He wasn't here to make a scene. He was here to wish her well and to tell her one last time how much she really meant to him. Hopefully, she would listen. For now, he would keep at bay and let her enjoy the party.

Agatha didn't know what she was supposed to do when she saw him. She was stuck and couldn't seem to shake back. He still looked the same, sexy as hell, and he still looked at her with a look she knew now was one of passion. She felt herself get goosebumps at the thought of him. He still made her body react to him. She still loved him. She couldn't let him ruin her night, but it was already too late.

"Agatha? Are you alright? You look like you just saw a ghost."

"I'm fine. I just ...thought I saw someone I knew. It was no one. I'm sorry what were you saying?"

"I asked if you wanted to dance?"

"Of course."

She would do anything to shake that feeling Heath seemed to give her...

Heath found Mr. Geraint out on the terrace with his father and other male business associates. They were smoking cigars, laughing heartily at one another's dirty jokes, and wild stories they had collected through the many years of doing business with one another. The laughter still continued when he walked up to the small group of men. They all shook his hand. Peter Schoenberg from accounting, Douglas Von Trappen from Germany's oldest shipping company and his father Austin Brockston. He hadn't really had a plan as to what he would or wouldn't say when he got the chance to speak with Mr. Geraint. Seeing him in such a jovial mood would work in his favor he hoped.

"Very nice to see you all gentleman. I was wondering if I could steal Mr. Geraint away from you fellows for a brief moment."

"Oh, here you go wanting to talk business at a party." Peter chimed in.

"Is that what this is about?" Mr. Geraint asked, narrowing his eyes at Heath.

He had to be honest.

"Yes and no Sir. If we could discuss this matter in private."

"What do you mean? I'm not going anywhere. Whatever you need to tell me I suggest you spit it out, now."

"Alright. Contrary to popular belief I do have a heart. It belongs to Agatha. I am very grateful that you and your wife took such wonderful care of her. I apologize for my behavior at my father's estate. I should have handled it with less judgment and more facts, and compassion towards her. I also wanted to tell you I understand why you didn't want the merger to happen. You and my father both have not built companies, but rather legacies, and it would kill you to see yours destroyed. I understand now what having love can do in your life. It removes the blinders and opens the mind to more possibilities. I won't waste any more of your time. I just wanted you to know. I'm sorry." He nodded once more, turned around and walked away.

The group of men were completely taken aback at what Heath had said. It rang a certain truth and sincerity one couldn't fake. It was heartfelt. Each man had known him for several years and each man realized that Heath Brockston was in love.

Austin felt small. He felt like everything he had done to test his son had been all wrong. It had all backfired in his face. Now here he was watching his son beaten, broken, and lovesick. Apologizing for a circumstance he himself did not create. It was Austin's hands alone. He felt lower than low. That wasn't even the worst part. The worst part was that he used the one person who loved him for his evil plot to control his son. Hearing his son make that apology to his old colleague made him realize how much damage he was causing in his son's life. His other son was dead. His wife, Heath's mother was dead as well. They only had each other and he tried to ruin that. Why did he ruin the things he loved. He took a drag from the rich cigar. Pondering on that question. He had to find Marilyn he had to talk to her. He couldn't stop thinking about the other day and the note she had left him. She deserved an apology and he deserved whatever fate he was left to...

Heath felt as if a boulder had been lifted off of his shoulders. The pressure he had been feeling to be the perfect son and businessman was truly gone. Hearing his colleagues admission that he did nothing but discuss business and work let him know he was heading in the right direction now.

He was out in the gardens, not really up for the party. Couples were walking and enjoying the beautiful rose bushes Fanny had procured. He spotted Agatha sitting alone on a cement bench. He wasn't sure how she would react to him right now. Agatha was a nice girl she would speak with him to be courteous, but did she really want to was the question. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable at her own party. He remembered her words of closure. They sounded final but the kiss they had shared told him something different. It told him it wasn't over. He watched her as he had done so many times before when she wasn't looking and thought about what his life was like before he knew her. It was filled with monetary items. It was cold and calculated. What was he without her? A charade he answered himself. She made his life real. She made him real. He felt whole when he was with her. That smile and uncanny way she read him like a book. He had to try again. He steeled his nerves and walked up from behind her.

"The guest of honor shouldn't be by herself."

He had startled her. She quickly stood up and looked in his direction. She took his breath away. She was so beautiful tonight. She seemed radiant now in the garden lights. He wanted to embrace her but didn't know how she would react to it, so he did nothing but stand there and look at her. She was tormenting him sweetly he had to admit to himself. She had no idea and that seemed to add more beauty.

"It's you." She was surprised to see him. "I was just getting some fresh air. Fanny's party is becoming a crush."

She pasted a fake smile on her lips. She knew he was here she just wondered if he would talk to her, and he did. She didn't want to admit She was terribly nervous at the moment.

"Yes, Fanny invited everyone in the tri-state area. She is known for that."

That made Agatha laugh.

"Still got it." He said.

He was so happy to see her smile in his presence. It felt like it had been forever since he had seen it.

"Yes, you do." She admitted.

"Do I?"

Agatha saw the primal sexy expression on his face and she knew she had to stop the conversation.

"Heath-" She started.

"Why can't I tell you how I feel about you?" He cut her off.

"Because I don't want to hear it." She whispered. Hoping that it sounded like the truth.

"Don't you, though? Don't you want to hear about how much I love and need you? How much I want to be with you? How much I've been thinking about you."

With each word, he stepped closer and closer to her. She felt her heart beat faster with each step he took towards her. He was several inches away from her. She looked up into eyes and she was lost. She had missed looking into those eyes. They were always asking, seeking, knowing her. She felt torn. She looked away and spoke.

"No. I want to hear about you being happy."

"How can I be happy without you?" He put her hand to his lips and kissed it softly.

She closed her eyes and reveled in his touch. It was small, but it meant a lot to both of them. She still loved him. Those words hit her like a ton of bricks. He couldn't be happy without her. He could, she was sure of it, but knowing he didn't want to be made this much harder. He sounded sincere. He looked sincere. She felt bad suddenly for treating him like she had been. She had never been in a position like this. Was she being too harsh on him?

"What do you want from me Heath?"

He still held her hand in his.

"I wanted to tell you that you look beautiful tonight." He flashed her that smile she loved so much. It weakened her every time.

"Is that all?"

"No. I wanted to tell you I truly am sorry for the way I have acted. I also wanted to ask what you wanted? I realize this whole time I've never asked you that. I'm sorry for that."

He was right Agatha thought. He had never asked her what she wanted this entire time. It was always about Heath and what he wanted, and now she felt as if he understood. It melted her heart more because this man really did love her. He loved her enough to tell her his faults, which for a competent, alpha male like heath was a hard thing to do. He turned away from her ready to leave because he couldn't bear being rejected again. She stilled his movement with the touch of her hand and his hand instinctively touched he rs.

"You have no idea how much it means to me hearing you say those words. I accept your apology. I should get back inside."

The words she really wanted to say stayed stuck inside of her mouth.

Heath thought by the way she had stopped him that she was going to say something more. He searched her face and realized she wasn't. She leaned up and kissed him on his cheek and walked away from him. Agatha was crying the entire way back to the house. She hid a handkerchief in her cleavage and was dabbing it at her face so she wouldn't smudge her makeup. She should be happy. She had the closure she wanted. He had apologized. She wasn't though. She was furious at herself for not telling him how much he meant to her. She kept hiding her feelings hoping they would go away but they weren't'. They were always there underneath the surface and every time she saw him they seemed to bubble up and come out. She wanted to tell him, but she was afraid. She was still a coward she berated herself, and dabbed at the tears that were streaming down her cheeks.

"Agatha?" She heard Jackson call as she climbed the stairs to the veranda.

"Yes." She hoped he didn't notice her tears.

"I've been looking for you."

"Oh, you have? I'm sorry, I just went to the gardens to get some fresh air." She was still dabbing her face with her handkerchief.

"You look like you've been crying," Jackson commented.

"Do I?" She said feigning ignorance.

"Yes, you do. Do you want to talk about it?" He asked concern laced his voice.

"It's nothing really?" She tried to brush it off.

"Really? So you're sure it's not about that handsome blonde gentleman who keeps scowling at me every time he sees us together?"

Agatha was astounded at Jackson's assessment, and him calling Heath 'handsome'.

"Jackson!"

He laughed. "So it is? Please do tell."

"There is nothing to tell. I made a choice, and he isn't one of them."

"Looking at the tears darling, I would say he needs to be."

"What?"

"You're in love with him and you would have to be an idiot not to see that he is in love with you. Your career will take time and it will be great without him, but think about what it would mean to have a career and the love of your life. That kind of support would make you unstoppable."

Agatha had never thought of that possibility. She always thought she would have one without the other. In the past, she hadn't been too lucky in love until she had met Heath, and even then it was more of a setup. Now she knew he did love her and he wanted to make her happy.

"He asked me what I wanted."

"Did you tell him?"

"No, I...I couldn't. I was afraid of what to say. It sounds silly I know."

"No, it doesn't it just sounds like you're guarding your heart and you don't need to anymore. I think you should take a few more days to get this sorted out, who knows, if he really does love you he will follow your dreams with you. No rush. Love can be tricky."

Agatha smiled at Jackson through the tears. She was happy he understood her dilemma and glad that he had given her such good advice. She really was happy she chose him to help her with her music career. She felt a lifelong friendship budding.

"Thank you again for everything."

He hugged her tight.

"You're welcome. I will be seeing you soon."

He kissed both her cheeks and walked out of the party.

She had to locate Fanny and tell her that she was leaving. This party was becoming a little overwhelming. She took a few more deep calming breaths and then went back inside the party. Music was blaring she searched for Fanny and found her on the far end of the room, standing beside her husband talking to a couple. She walked up to them. Mr. Geraint was so happy to see her.

"There she is !" He said smiling "Our lovely guest of honor. I was wondering where you had gone off to." He jested with her.

"I just needed some fresh air." She smiled.

Fanny could tell Agatha had been crying. It didn't take a genius to know she had spoken to Heath. Her husband was astounded by him as well. She had heard an earful about Heath.

"Will you excuse us, husband?" She asked kissing him on the cheek and taking Agatha out of the room. "He spoke to you didn't he?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"Why does everyone keep asking me that?"

"Because we all know you're miserable and so is he. You both love each other, regardless of how you found each other just be happy that you found him."

"I am."

You need to- Wait, what?"

"I'm agreeing with you. I'm not going to fight it any longer. I love Heath and he loves me. I was just scared to be loved and to love."

"Ah, honey. I'm so glad you are ready. Shouldn't you be telling him this instead of me?"

"You're absolutely right. Have you seen him."

She scanned the room and saw him heading for the exit. She kissed Fanny on the cheek and ran after him. She didn't care that she was wearing a beautiful formal gown she had to tell him how she felt. She pushed past the people as she gained on him. She saw him in the foyer.

"Heath ! Wait! Please !" She shouted.

He stopped and turned in her direction. She could see the sadness in his eyes. She rushed to him threw her arms around him and kissed him with all her might. The world around them melted away once again and it was just him and her. She felt the love between them and her heart felt like it would fly out of her chest and into his. He broke the kiss. He was out of breath. She smiled at having the power to make him feel the way he had made her feel this entire time.

"Agatha?"

"I'm sorry. You asked me what I wanted and I wasn't completely honest with you. I want you. I love you so much. It has been a nightmare trying to take on the future without the man I love in it. I-"

She wasn't able to finish he captured her lips once more. They kissed for what seemed like an eternity. They heard someone clearing their throat and it brought them back to reality. It was Mr. Geraint.

"Sir," Heath said not letting Agatha leave his side.

he pulled out an envelope from the breast pocket of his jacket and handed it to Heath. Heath opened it and scanned it. It looked like the contract he was hoping he would have signed after he and Agatha had been married.

"Why Sir?"

"Because I admire a man who can see his faults and change them. It shows a great amount of character to be able to do that. A man has got to protect his legacy and I think you are the best man to do that for me and your father."

Heath felt shocked. He didn't think Mr. Geraint had cared for him at all. The man rarely smiled and only spoke about the bottom line. Money.

"Thank you so much for trusting me, Sir. I won't let you down, however as of Monday I am taking a much-needed vacation. Me and my Fiance' are going to California to pursue her dream."

Agatha beamed now. He loved knowing he was the one who had put that smile on her face.

"Good for you! Goodbye, my dear. Don't forget to call Fanny. You know she will miss you terribly, so terribly I'm sure we will be visiting you out there." He acted annoyed with his wife, but in truth, he loved that about her.

Agatha felt like the Geraint's were becoming her surrogate parents. They showered her with love and affection and she couldn't be more grateful to call them family. She hugged him tight.

"I will." She whispered in his ear as she hugged him.

"Now off with you two before the guests notice you're gone."

Heath's Mercedes pulled up then . The valet opened both doors, first for Agatha, then Heath. She thanked him as they shut the car doors. Heath leaned forward and kissed her.

"Now off to our future together." He said playfully.

Agatha felt giddy with joy. It had all worked out in the end. She was finally going to live the life she wanted with the man of her dreams. She had the life she deserved. It was filled with family, friends and most importantly love...

The End

