DORISThe next morning early, I went to the New York City government land building department. I talked to one clerk after another and finally asked to talk to the manager. The manager was a bored man with thin brown hair on the sides of his head. He had a few oily strands pulled over the top of his head in a bad comb-over that almost covered his bald spot. I explained the situation again, and I gave him a piece of paper on which I had written the number for the tract of land. The manager talked in circles, explaining without saying anything, why the NYC government had to seize this particular piece of land and why his hands were tied.He put his hands out to his sides in a helpless gesture. "What can I do? I’m only a manager. There’s nothing you can do. I’m so sorry for your client's financial loss, and I understand you’re going to lose the commission. I understand if you’re angry."I squinted my eyes at him. His whole speech sounded rehearsed and insincere."But believe me when I

DORISIt was another long day. When the elevator doors closed, taking me up to my apartment, I let my body slump. I leaned my shoulder against the side of the elevator wall.Yesterday I couldn’t believe it when Mia asked why I didn’t live in the penthouse.Then this morning, I was surprised when I didn’t get any of the contracts back for the three apartments that I showed earlier in the week. I was so sure the couples were going to get back to me. I left phone calls for each of the clients, but I hadn’t heard back yet.I spent lunchtime brainstorming with Nina, trying to think of some ways to get that tract of land in Brooklyn back to the old man who bought it and out of the hands of the government. With Nina's help, I came up with some possible ideas. I would need Arthur‘s help and connections to pull off some of them. I refused to give up. I made myself feel optimistic.Nina still felt Andrea might be behind at all. I wasn’t sure.I hadn’t made any other significant progress this w

DORISWe were going to have sex. I knew it, and Arthur knew it.And I didn’t realize how much I wanted it until that moment.Arthur stopped kissing me for a moment, probably because we both needed to take a breath.He cupped my cheek, and he looked at me with tenderness.I tilted my chin up and smiled at Arthur. His lips looked masculine and perfect and so kissable. He bent down and kissed me again. I was in heaven.I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed in close. My lips opened more as if they were functioning of their own accord, inviting him more and more to conquer me.Arthur didn’t need any more hints than that. He took control. His tongue slipped in and glided against mine. Arthur moaned into my mouth. It was the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard.“Bed, baby,” he said. He picked me up, wrapped my legs around his waist, and carried me to my bedroom.All my exhaustion of the day was forgotten in an instant.Arthur lay me down on the bed like I was the most precious thing i

DORISI was at home looking at possible real estate leads and more marketing ideas that could utilize the new trends in A.I.There was a knock at my door. I opened it, and it was the Federal Express delivery guy."Package for you," he said in a cheery voice. "You need to sign for it."He thrust an electric tablet clipboard my way with a stylus, and I quickly scribbled my signature.The box was small. I opened up the cardboard box. There was a black box inside with Catherine’s Premium Jewelers written across the front in silver script.I opened the box, and the most beautiful gold bracelet I’d ever seen was lying on a pad of black velvet."Oooh," I said. I carefully picked the gold bracelet up and examined it. Every few links, a subtle line was woven through the bracelet that was more rose-colored gold and almost looked like hearts.I saw a tiny bit of white, and I lifted the black velvet pad to find a note from Arthur underneath.My Little Dove, Please forgive me for not being more a

DORISThe Italian sun kissed my skin as I opened the large French doors and stepped out onto the patio.I could hardly believe it. I was in Rome! We were in Rome!"Rome!" I said. I lifted my arms high and wide and turned in a slow circle.We were in Rome, the ancient city of legend. "What amazing adventures await?" I asked the fresh air. "Historic ruins, amazing churches, and restaurants, museums I've read about?"Arthur joined me on the patio. He hugged me from behind and kissed the back of my ear. "And passionate nights you've only dreamed of?" He asked quietly.I twisted and looked at him over my shoulder. I turned so I could look at him.Arthur was just wearing pajama bottoms, and his beautifully sculpted chest muscles, tight abdomen and wonderful 'V' that was showing because his pajama pants were low on his hips were absolutely delicious and delectable in the morning light.Arthur’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. Mia woke up soon after us. As we expected, she was a bundle of en