Chapter 2 Change Of Plans

• I feel enchanted as I watch her approach, her hips moving gracefully, swaying with each step. Her green, almond-shaped eyes are fixed on mine, attentive to the
• Her feline smile reminds me how much she enjoys being watched as she comes closer, like a predator stalking its prey—stealthy, determined, and cautious.
• She stops in front of me and takes my hand; I lift hers and twirl it to admire its beauty. When she’s back in front of me, I take her by the waist and we share a passionate kiss that she returns with intensity and fierceness.
• Her warm, hungry tongue envelops me, nearly devouring me. I hold her firmly at the waist, and my caresses become urgent as I trace every curve from her shoulder to her waist, but a spark of awareness reminds me that we are in public.
• I bring my hands to her face and break the kiss; she opens her eyes and looks at me with desire, her pupils reflecting an uncontrollable lust. I give her a chaste kiss on the lips and whisper near them:
• —You always manage to make me forget where I am, little one.
• She looks at me with a mischievous spark in her eyes, steps away from me, and my body immediately longs for her warmth. It was so easy to wish to have her close.
• —You look so sexy there —she starts saying—, you make me lose track of time, my love. Besides —she continues as she shortens the distance between us—, I don’t think it’s a scandal for the son of the owner of the Hamilton hotels to kiss his girlfriend—. She kisses me again, and I wrap my arms around her.
• A dry cough makes me release Ericka and turn to see Liz, my secretary, apologizing with her gaze.
• —I'm sorry to bother you, Mr. Hamilton —her eyes shift from me to Ericka—. I’m here to remind you of the meeting you have scheduled with your father, which will take place in ten minutes.
• Ericka lets out a small laugh, and I look at her.
• —Thank you, Liz —I reply to my secretary, with the seriousness of an executive.
• She nods and begins to walk away down the hallway. I take Ericka by the hand and walk with her to my office.
• —Wait for me here, beautiful, I need to meet with my father —I say to her. She makes a pout that makes her look adorable—. I won’t be long —I promise. I give her a kiss, and then she heads to the armchair, sitting with her legs on my desk, smiling at me playfully.
• I leave my office and head to my father’s. Claudia, his secretary, nods when she sees me. I gently knock on the door and prepare to enter.
• —Come in —I hear my father say. I push open the wooden door and see him in front of the computer, reviewing some paperwork.
• The office is spacious, with large windows letting in natural light. It is decorated with elegance and refinement, muted in neutral colors with some warm-toned accents.
• My father, behind a large wooden desk, looks at me and gestures for me to sit down. As I do, I analyze his demeanor and sense that he is anxious. He returns his attention to the computer, continuing with his work.
• I knew that since the summer, my grandmother had been even more unwell due to her illness, although her attitude and strength made her seem authoritative when she spoke to any of us.
• My father shifts his attention from the computer, and our eyes meet, expectant. From his demeanor, I know something personal is at stake, but if I pressed him, I wouldn’t get a response. In the end, my suspicions are confirmed.
• —Son —he begins, frowning as he struggles with his emotions. —It’s about your grandmother —he adds, running a hand through his hair—. The doctor says her condition is declining, and he cannot predict any improvement.
• —I know, Dad. I know it’s hard, but right now, all we can do is wait —I reply, trying to comfort him.
• —You’re right —he sighs, sitting up straight in his chair and looking at me—. But that’s not why I wanted to meet with you. —I let him organize his thoughts without interruption. —She holds shares in the company, and it is her wish to pass them on to you.
• I tense up in my seat. I knew my brother was focused on the entertainment world and had never shown any interest in the family business. But I didn’t expect my grandmother to transfer her shares to me, which would make me the majority partner, surpassing my father.
• He watches me silently as I process the torrent of emotions swirling in my head.
• —I know you’re worried —he continues. Hearing this, I lift my gaze and nod—. But you don’t have to —he assures me, easing the growing tension within me—. As you know, Carl has his own interests, far removed from the business —he pauses, breathes, and continues—. That’s why I have always placed my trust in you as my future successor.
• I nod again, grateful for his trust, despite not having put in the necessary effort in my current role.
• —Thank you, Dad —I reply with sincere gratitude—. I will start taking my responsibilities seriously to be a worthy successor.
• He stands up and walks around the desk, placing his hands on my shoulders.
• —I know you will. Even though you’re young, I see the potential you have to manage this business —he says, then gives me a warm hug.
• My relationship with my father has always been good, despite the times he called me out for my behavior, which happened constantly. However, I had left that chaotic phase of life behind when I met Ericka. My family, although not enthusiastic about my relationship, recognized that I had changed since being with her.
• —Your grandmother wants us to meet with her this Christmas —he comments—. Just family —he adds sadly.
• —Don’t worry, Ericka isn’t excited about family gatherings either —I respond resignedly, shrugging my shoulders, aware that since I introduced Ericka as my girlfriend to the family, she hadn’t received a warm welcome, especially from my grandmother. Although she had never openly expressed it, I knew of her disapproval.
• After saying goodbye to my father, I returned to my office. Now I had to tell Ericka about the change of plans for Christmas.
• Upon arriving at my office, I see her pacing back and forth. She looks up when she hears the sound of the door closing and runs toward me to kiss me. I return the kiss, noticing the urgency in her gesture. My hands travel down her back as she moves even closer, and the warmth of her body begins to cloud my thoughts. If I let myself go, I would end up making love to her in my office. So, I break the kiss, and she looks at me, confused.
• —I’m sorry, babe —I whisper—. I need to tell you something.
• She looks at me expectantly as she walks around the desk to sit down. She moves closer to me, sitting on my lap. I caress her hair and give her a kiss.
• —So? —she asks impatiently, drumming her fingers on the desk—. Stop the suspense and tell me.
• Her soft fingers move from the desk to my neck, caressing me as she tries to lose herself in my warm eyes. Despite how impulsive and wild she was, her gaze enveloped me.
• —My grandmother... —I begin to say, and I notice her rolling her eyes—. She wants us to spend Christmas with her.
• She immediately stands up, walking around the desk with a mix of anger and distress in her eyes. I watch as she takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself. I know her gestures well and can tell she’s upset but trying to control herself. After giving her a moment to process it, she looks at me with tear-filled eyes.
• —I’m sorry, my love, but I was hoping to spend Christmas with you —she admits, and a tear escapes down her cheek.
• I quickly stand up and wrap my arms around her; she sighs, and I hold her tighter. I was sure she wouldn’t cry; it had been ten years since her parents' accident, and since then, she hadn’t cried uncontrollably.
• —I promise I’ll make it up to you, baby —I assure her as I give her a kiss.