Forever Mine

Published in Arabella Magazine

“Annette, call Jacob and have him pick me up out front,” Vincent Fontenot called out to his administrative assistant. “Where is my briefcase and that Harris File? Oh, and don’t let me forget the new designs,” he yelled, checking his watch for the time. Exhaling a nervous breath, he mentally ran a checklist, making sure that he had gathered all the necessary documents for his two o’clock meeting. Here recently, everyday seemed the same, but thankfully, he had Annette.

Three years ago, Annette Brown left the big city of New Orleans and all its trappings for the coastal city of Biloxi. Armed with a Masters of Business Administration and a determination to succeed, she was led to Fontenot Iron Works, a small, yet profitable 100-year-old family business operated by two brothers. The creative mind and talented blacksmith behind the products that ranged from iron gates to iron artwork was Jacob Fontenot, the youngest. The business itself was managed by the eldest brother, Vincent Fontenot, a savvy businessman of thirty-five, who was in the midst of bringing the little known business to the attention of the nation by bidding on a high profile project. It was Annette, his newly hired administrative assistant who would help him to accomplish those new business heights. And they had with incredible success.

Vincent exhaled and fastened the buttons on his suit jacket as he headed for the outer office. Meetings were a necessary evil of any successful business; however, this wasn’t the dream he had planned for himself when he graduated LSU. Back then he saw himself getting his hands dirty restoring old homes back to their original state. Now look at him dressed in expensive suits with a briefcase attached at the end of his arm. This was someone else’s dream.

“Annette!”

“Right here,” Annette Brown called out as she barreled around the corner into Vincent’s office, nearly colliding with him. She handed over the leather briefcase bearing his initials. “Everything you need for the meeting with Mr. Harris is enclosed.”

“Are the…”

“Designs enclosed,” Annette answered the question before it could be asked. “Price listing and detailed quotes are also enclosed.” She followed Vincent over to his desk where he popped open the briefcase to examine its contents. After working for Fontenot Iron Works for the last three years, the twenty-six year old was accustomed to Vincent’s demanding schedule and his bellowing. The latter wasn’t to be taken seriously. Next to her father, Vincent Fontenot was one of the nicest men that she knew, and being a perfectionist, he was far more demanding of himself than of others.

Vincent closed his briefcase with a snap. He shouldn’t have panicked because as always, Annette had everything under control. “Thanks. What would I do without you?” Vincent turned around to face his assistant. From day one Annette’s work and professional demeanor had been exemplary, although her professional attire was a bit extreme—hair twisted back into a clip, no earrings in her lobes, no rings or bracelets, only a dependable Timex for jewelry.

Today she wore a dark blue skirt suit with sensible blue pumps. The clothing though in fashion was not from one of the expensive boutiques that his mother and sister frequented. But then, nothing about Annette was like the affluent women he was accustomed to being around. Where those women were anorexic thin, his assistant had the pleasing curves of a woman who actually ate something other than salads. And unlike his mother and sister, who were just over five feet, Annette stood proud and erect at five-ten. Her reddish brown complexion was covered with light make-up, which only enhanced her prettiness. However, it was Annette’s intelligence and strong, capable nature, which made her stand out from the crowd, and earn his admiration.

“When I return from the meeting, I would like to speak with you,” Vincent informed Annette.

“Is there a problem?” Annette watched Vincent closely. She had suspected him of being up to something all week, but still had no idea as to what.

“No.” Vincent smiled with mischief. “I can see the wheels turning inside your head,” he commented as he framed Annette’s round face with his large hands. His brown eyes danced with playfulness.

Annette smiled up at him while her heart galloped with excitement. Six feet in height and broad in the shoulders, his muscular build managed to make her size 16 frame feel small and feminine. His chocolate brown face made beautiful by light brown eyes and a boyish smile. She loved it when he was in a lighthearted mood like now. In fact, she loved the man period, but that was a fantasy she only pulled out late at night when she was alone in bed. In the office, she was strictly business.

***

Around four o’clock that afternoon Vincent and Jacob returned to the office. Annette was quickly asked to join them in Vincent’s office where he promptly announced that he would be taking a leave of absence from the business. He waited for their response, but when none came, he realized that both had been aware of his preoccupation and suspected something.

“You’re finally going to try your hand at restoration,” Annette stated knowingly. She had walked into his office on several occasions and found him looking at photographs of old property and restoration magazines. On one of those occasions, he had shared his desire to restore a property. He had told her that it was a dream of his to make restoration a business, but then his father had fallen ill and the family business had become his responsibility.

Vincent could only smile. The woman knew him well. “It’s something I have wanted to do for some time now. I’ve purchased a Victorian on Biloxi Back Bay that I want to restore to its original grandness.”

“What about the business?” Jacob asked.

Vincent’s gaze swung to his brother. “You know that you’re better suited for the business than I am. You’re the artisan behind Fontenot Iron Works. With Annette handling the business side, everything will run smoothly. And on the chance that either of you have questions or want to discuss the business, I’ll be around to help.”

Annette couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Vincent was leaving her in charge of the business with his brother. “Vincent, I can’t run Fontenot Iron Works with Jacob. It’s a family business. Your parents would never stand for it.” Her brown eyes reflected her excitement at the opportunity to demonstrate her abilities, but her lined brow, hinted at her hesitance to accept the offer.

“Annette, you’re just as business savvy as my big brother,” Jacob assured her. “We’ll do great.” He reached over patting her hands. Then rising from his chair, he approached his brother. “I’m really glad that you’re finally doing what’s best for you. If there is anything that I can do to help, let me know.”

“Thank you both for understanding.”

The two men embraced brotherly while Annette looked on. She admired them both, and despite Jacob being what most women would consider irresistible with his dimpled smile and long-lashed eyes, her heart belonged to Vincent.

“Annette,” Vincent spoke, drawing her back to the conversation. “I couldn’t do this without you. I step away knowing that Jacob and the business are in your capable hands.” He drew her from the chair into a warm embrace. “You can do this,” he whispered for only her to hear.

“You’re right I can. Now go restore that old house,” she whispered back, then stepped out of his arms. She returned to her office where she could privately savor the feel of his arms around her. Quickly cleaning off her desk for the day, Annette called out goodnight, leaving the brothers alone.

Vincent stood at the window watching the parking lot. He waited for Annette to get into her car and drive off before turning back to face his brother.

“When are you going to tell Annette that you’re in love with her?” Jacob asked.

“As long as she’s an employee here, the answer is never. Annette conducts herself with extreme professionalism and I can do no less.”

“But you’re in love with the woman.”

“I know that, Jacob, but there is no reason for Annette to know. The last thing I want is for her to feel uncomfortable around me.”

Jacob laughed. “Whatever you say big brother, but if you ask me, I think our dedicated assistant is in love with you as well. Her big brown eyes light up when you walk into the room.”

Vincent shook his head not believing a word of what his brother was saying. As close as he and Annette worked together, surely he would have picked up on any attraction. “I know you mean well, Jacob, but this is something I have to deal with. The leave of absence will help me to get my feelings in check and preserve my professional relationship with Annette.”

“If that’s really what you want,” Jacob said on exiting the office.

It wasn’t what he wanted, but did he really have a choice? The woman he wanted was all business in professional suits and sensible pumps.

***

Vincent removed the last of the plaster in the kitchen. The antiquated wiring from the fifties was in such sad condition that he knew that it would have to be replaced immediately. He had spent the last two weeks since leaving the business removing the walls throughout the house. Now the time had come to map out the location of new outlets. He needed to consult the electrical plans. Retracing his steps into the living room, he searched high and low for the plans but came up empty. He tried to remember where he had last seen them. Then remembering that he had been studying the building codes in his office that last day, Vincent knew exactly where they were. He placed a call to the office.

“Fontenot Iron Works, how may I help you?” Annette’s voice greeted him.

Vincent hesitated. Had Annette’s voice always been so sensual? The soft breathy sound made a man think of long sweaty nights. Stop it, this is Annette. “Good afternoon, Annette. How are you?” Vincent asked in control of his runaway thoughts.

“Vincent, hi,” Annette’s excited voice surprised him. “How are things coming at the house?”

Was he imagining things, or was his assistant happy to hear from him? Convincing himself that it meant nothing, he pushed the thought to the back of his mind. “It was going quite well until a moment ago when I realized that I left the electrical plans to the house in my office. I’m hoping to catch Jacob and ask him to bring them over after work.”

“Do you know where you left them?” Annette asked.

“I believe they’re on the credenza.”

“I’m going to place you on hold while I check.”

“Great, thanks Annette. I know how busy you are.”

“No problem.” The easy listening music came on as she placed him on hold. Vincent waited patiently while humming along with the tune now playing. His thoughts were on Annette and how much he missed seeing her each day. The realization surprised him. He had thought the distance between them would ease his desire for her, but obviously, he had been wrong.

“I found them just where you said,” Annette returned to the telephone.

“Great.” He quickly provided directions since his brother had yet to see the place. “Will you ask Jacob to bring them by the old house this evening?”

“I sure will.”

“Thanks Annette.”

“You’re welcome, bye.” Annette replaced the telephone and sat down closing her eyes. She missed him something terrible. For the last three years, she had eagerly arrived at work knowing that she would spend the next eight hours with Vincent. It didn’t matter that he didn’t know of her feelings, just being near him, or being graced by one of his smiles was enough to make each day worth it. She sighed sadly to herself realizing just how pathetic she was. The man only saw her as an employee and it was high time she accepted it. However, when Jacob phoned the office near the end of the day to inform her that he wouldn’t be returning, she hadn’t bothered to mention Vincent’s phone call. She had instead decided to deliver the plans herself. Besides, she loved old homes and was eager to see this one.

***

Vincent was at work in the kitchen removing cabinet doors when he heard a car pull up outside. Believing that it was Jacob, he headed to the front door while removing his heavy work gloves. He opened the door just as footsteps sounded on the porch.

Annette stood thunderstruck in the presence of a shirtless Vincent, glistening with sweat, and tight well-worn jeans. The defined muscles in his chest and arms flexed easily with each movement. The six pack abdomen visibly etched to perfection. His legs were encased in second-skinned denim that displayed their breathtaking length and sexy slight bow. Even the heavy brown work boots he wore were a turn on.

“Hi, I wasn’t expecting you,” Vincent said with a broad smile on his face while trying to ignore the excited beat of his heart.

Annette wasn’t sure how to interpret Vincent’s opening remark. Was she welcomed or not? The boyish smile said yes, but the weariness in his eyes caused her a moment of doubt. “I hope you don’t mind my stopping by, but Jacob didn’t return to the office, so I took it upon myself to bring you the plans.” She thrust them forward and waited.

Vincent observed Annette closely. He was picking up on shyness and a little excited nervousness, not to mention the quick glances at his chest. Was Jacob right? Was Annette in love with him? One thing for certain, was that he had missed her far more than he suspected. Even the light fragrance that she wore had been missed. “Of course I don’t mind your coming by. You’re always welcomed in my home,” Vincent said with potent meaning. He reached out taking Annette’s hand and drew her across the threshold. With his free hand, he removed the plans and placed them on the workbench just inside the door, then reached back closing it. Still holding her hand, he commented, “So what do you think of the place? I know it’s not much, but give me time and I promise you, that you’ll see the beauty.”

Annette stood in the grand entryway admiring the high ceilings and magnificent staircase that led to the second floor. Anything to get her mind off the fact that Vincent held her hand. And the intensity of his words had her questioning the hidden meaning. Had her boss discovered her hidden love? Annette’s initial response was to squirm and pray for the ground to open up under her feet, but then she realized something. Vincent still held her hand. His thumb was stroking her fingers at this very moment. Oh my god, do I dare pray that he has feeling for me as well?

She continued to take in the room while trying to sort out what was happening. The plaster had been removed from the room, but the grandeur was still visible. The aged hardwood flooring appeared to be in good shape from where she stood. The large windows only required a minimum of attention, but what drew her away from Vincent was the magnificent fireplace that commanded attention in the room.

“This is beautiful,” Annette whispered in awe. Her hands caressed the decorative hand-carved wooden mantle.

Vincent came up behind her, also admiring the mantle. “It is beautiful, isn’t it?” He was pleasantly surprised that she could appreciate the beauty of it in its current condition.

“But this paint? Why would anyone use this awful blue paint on something so beautiful?” Annette stared at Vincent in horror.

Vincent could only smile at her passion. “I have no idea, but rest assured that I’ll be changing it.”

“May I refinish it?” Annette blurted before she could stop herself. She looked at Vincent hopefully while waiting on his response.

Vincent didn’t reply right away so caught off guard by the request. He studied Annette’s bright eyes, seeing the eagerness or was it that light his brother had spoken of, shimmering in their depths. Whatever it was, there was no way he could deny her request and heaven knows he could use the help. Also with Annette at his side, Vincent would have time to explore her feeling for him.

“If you’re sure, I would love the help.”

“Oh, thank you, Vincent. I promise you won’t be sorry. My father does a little restoration work, so I’ve had experience.” Her exuberant bright smile transformed her face.

Vincent shook his head in wonder. The pretty girl who bestowed shy little smiles at work was now a beautiful intriguing woman with a beguiling smile. “Well I hope you’ll still be this excited after spending hours of performing back breaking work.” He too smiled, pleased that she would be helping him.

“Restoration isn’t work,” she told him while moving into the kitchen. The room was spacious offering an abundance of cabinetry. No appliances were in the room, but an old-fashioned white sink with attached dish drain remained. “It’s a labor of love and I think you know that,” she said leaning with her back against the sink.

Vincent followed her into the kitchen and cornered her. He placed an arm on each side of her, effectively trapping her within. He raised a hand to sweep away a stray strand of hair from her face, while his eyes slowly caressed her features. “You really understand this passion that I have.”

“I’d like to think that I do,” Annette whispered softly. His standing so close had changed the mood in the room.

“What’s happening here, Annette?” Vincent stared into her uncertain eyes. “Have you missed me as much as I’ve missed you?”

Annette’s heart gave an excited flutter. “Of course Jacob and I miss you around the office.” She didn’t dare believe he meant anything more personal.

The corners of Vincent’s mouth tipped up into a slow smile. Shaking his head, no, he laughed. “You’re an intelligent woman. Now answer the question.”

Disconcerted, Annette began to fidget. She tried to step out of Vincent’s arms, but he wasn’t budging. “Of course I’ve missed you,” she finally relented.

“How much?” Vincent dared to push further. The vibes coming from Annette gave credence to his brother’s declaration.

“What do you mean how much?” Annette was rattled.

“Well, I’ve missed you so much, that I feel like doing this.” Vincent leaned forward touching his mouth to hers and heard her purr. Feeling embolden by her responsive lips, he deepened the kiss. He flicked his tongue across the seam of her lips and was reward when they opened underneath his. Their tongues flirted, getting acquainted before mating ravenously. Vincent drew Annette into his arms as the kiss intensified. Then just as suddenly, he separated their mouths, but still held her close. They were both breathing heavily and staring in wonder.

“Do you still want to help me?” Vincent asked. He smiled enjoying the sight of Annette’s kiss swollen lips.

“Oh yeah,” Annette whispered, nodding her head. “Things are just getting interesting around here.”

***

Those words still held true three weeks later. She and Vincent worked side-by-side restoring the old house and discovering little things about one another. No great declarations of intent had been made, but there was no doubt that there was a romantic relationship blossoming. They couldn’t seem to keep their hands off each other. Then there were those quiet moments when they would return to one of their homes to sit back and relax while exploring their new relationship further.

Tonight, unfortunately wasn’t one of those times. They were working late into the night trying to complete the kitchen. The last of the refinished cabinet doors had been installed and while Vincent was out picking up a late meal, Annette was applying the hardware. She had just secured the last cabinet handle when the kitchen door swung open. Turning quickly at the sound of Vincent’s entrance, the decorative clip holding her hair gave way, allowing the mane of hair that she kept neatly secured to spill down around her shoulders.

Vincent stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of her. In all that time that he had known Annette, he had never seen her with her hair unbound. The transformation was astonishing. He deposited the food on the counter then slowly walked over to where she stood watching him curiously.

“What is it?”

“Your hair,” Vincent answered while pointing.

“Oh,” Annette said, reaching to return it to the clip. “It has a mind of its own.”

“It’s beautiful,” Vincent whispered as he stilled her hand. “My God you’re beautiful.”

Annette blushed. At her size, she didn’t hear those words too often.

“Why do you keep it pulled back?” Vincent ran his fingers through the long glossy stands. It was soft with red highlights that shimmered in the light.

“It’s a distraction.”

Vincent couldn’t agree more because at the moment he was having thoughts of it spilling all over the pillows in his sleigh bed. “You’re absolutely right because I’ve forgotten all about eating.” He gave her a wicked smile as backed her against the counter while continuing to run his finger through her hair. “I’m thinking of doing this.” He placed a kiss on her neck. “And this.” A kiss was placed on an earlobe. “Oh, and something like this.” He parted the folds of her man shirt to reveal the swells of her generous breasts, and placed a kiss.

“Vincent,” Annette rasped out becoming aroused.

“And here,” Vincent commented as he freed the buttons to expose her stomach. A kiss was placed just above the navel. “And here.” Vincent kissed lower, through the fabric of denim.

Annette gave an excited quiver as her voice vanished. Vincent’s lips were kissing her into delirium, while his large hands were whipping her into a heated frenzy. The blood in her veins was hot with desire and rapidly becoming intolerable.

At the feel of Annette quivering in his arms, Vincent lost his hold on his restraint. He scooped her up into his arms and placed her effortlessly on the countertop. His mouth took control of hers mimicking the act on his mind. All the while, his fingers toyed with the erect nipples showing through the lace bra. As her sighs grew more ardent, Vincent tore his mouth away and buried his face in the dark cleavage below. He inhaled the delicate fragrance that tormented his dreams. Dipping his head even lower, Vincent flicked his tongue into Annette’s navel nearly causing her to slide off the countertop.

Nothing she had ever heard could prepare her for what Vincent was doing to her body. All the girlish gossip swapped in college, fell short in describing what she was experiencing. But as the thought crossed her mind, Vincent stepped back halting all contact. He leaned against the opposite counter, breathing heavily. His eyes were glazed over with desire and his body, unable to hide just how much he truly desired her.

“You deserve more than a romp on the counter,” he was finally able to say as he brought his desire under control. “The next time I start this, I intend to be able to finish it.”

***

So for the next several weeks, the web of desire was present. The physical aspect of the restoration work helped to ease the tension and give Annette and Vincent something else to focus on. The kitchen and living room were completed in record time. The mantle had turned out far better than Annette could ever have imagined. During the long hours of working side by side, Vincent had coaxed Annette into discussing her life back in New Orleans. He already knew that she was the eldest of three girls and that her parents had been married for thirty years, but what he didn’t know was how inferior she felt to her sisters. She hadn’t actually said the words, but it was there just the same in the offhanded comments disguised as humor. They were working in a downstairs bedroom when another conversation arose.

“I knew that an education was a necessity for me. It wasn’t like I had much else going for me,” Annette said flippantly. “Laura and Mandy got the looks people would say, and I got the brains.” She shrugged child-like, “I guess it wasn’t a bad tradeoff.”

Vincent stopped painting the wall and turned to regard Annette. Did she actually believe all the garbage she had been fed over the years?

“Why do you say things like that?” Vincent asked angrily.

Hearing the tone of his question, Annette too stopped painting and turned to face him. “Because it’s true.” Annette laid the paint roller back into the pan. She stood before Vincent emotionally naked as she answered his question. “All my life I’ve been the big girl. By the time I was in the eighth grade, I could wear my mother’s clothes. Then in high school, I was taller than most of the boys, which was a definite turn off. In the mean time, I had two beautiful sisters who were petite in height and model thin. People would look at me and wonder how we were ever related. My mother tried to explain that I inherited my body build from her side of the family, while my sisters took after my father’s family. Despite exercising daily, my body didn’t change. It was firm and toned, but I was still larger than my pretty little sisters.”

“And there’s nothing wrong with that,” Vincent said, stepping over paint trays. He wrapped his arms around Annette drawing her firmly against him. “I’m a big man, sweetheart and it takes a lot of woman to satisfy me.” Vincent dipped his head and kissed her lightly. Raising his head, he cupped her chin so that their gazes connected. “You are a beautiful woman, Annette just the way you are. Women all over the world are paying good money for these,” he stroked the sides of her breasts. “And these hips.” His hands dropped to palm her bottom. “Oh, baby, they drive me crazy.”

Annette couldn’t help laughing. She placed her arms around his neck. “You drive me crazy, Vincent,” she whispered back, then kissed him with all the love she was experiencing. When they finally came up for air, Vincent traced her lips with a finger.

“Don’t allow people’s ignorance to color your opinion of yourself. Being thin doesn’t make one beautiful or better. And regardless as to what you think, ain’t a damn thing wrong with you.”

“Or you Vincent,” Annette whispered back. Her arms were still circled around his neck. “I know that you feel guilty for wanting a life outside of Fontenot Iron Works, but this is your life and you’re entitled to pursue your own dreams.”

Vincent glanced around the room and smiled with satisfaction. “I’m doing that with this project, but there is still one dream left that I would like to fulfill.”

Annette was surprised. In all the years that they had known each other, the only pursuit Vincent had spoken about had been restoring an old property. “And what would that be?”

Vincent smiled privately to himself before answering. “A man has to keep some secrets to himself.”

***

And so he did for the remainder of the restoration work. Eleven months later when he stepped back to look at the finished project, he was very proud of his accomplishment. He was also extremely happy to have it completed. With it out of the way, he could focus his attention fully on that second pursuit.

Annette stood in front of the mirror at home taking great care with her appearance. She had added special little touches to her make-up so that it complemented the new dress she was wearing tonight. Vincent had promised her a special evening and so she thought it called for a special dress. The boldness of the red fabric was in celebration of finally accepting herself and deciding that indeed there wasn’t a damn thing wrong with her. Hair down and flowing and three-inch heels were also in celebration of the new woman within. She planned on knocking Vincent’s socks off tonight.

Vincent was a nervous wreck. He walked through the house admiring all the hard work and personal touches that they together had done in bringing this house back to life. He realized, not for the first time that he and Annette had also experienced a rebirth of sorts. The door chimes drew his attention back to the present. Taking one last look around, he headed to the door and received the shock of his life.

Annette stood nervously on the porch as Vincent’s eyes slowly traveled down the length of her body taking in the transformation. She couldn’t readily decipher his reaction to the change, but when Vincent gave her that boyish smile and licked his lips, she immediately recognized one element in that look as desire. Her heart rate quickened with excitement.

“You like?” Annette boldly stated as she gave a slow runway turn. She couldn’t believe that she was doing it, but what the heck, she was Cinderella tonight.

“Oh, yeah, I like it and love you so much that I want to make you forever mine.” Vincent drew Annette across the threshold and into his arms. “Marry me Annette and let’s fill this old house with love and babies.”

Annette couldn’t believe that Vincent had finally said the words. “I love you too, Vincent and would be honored to be your wife, mother of your children, and your forever mine.”

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