CHAPTER 13
Mara left the restroom feeling immensely lucky for having lived such incredible moments by Oded’s side. She felt like she was walking on the clouds, ethereal. She crashed to a dead stop, however, when she saw that he wasn’t alone, waiting for her as she expected. She stepped back, hiding behind a plant strategically situated in her way. From there, she had a perfect view of the auburn-haired woman who was seated beside him, talking cheerfully. Who could that woman be? Her mind repeated this question over and over again as she stared at the two of them. The more she wondered, the more she started to feel a weird sensation inside. It was as if someone was stabbing her, bit by bit, twisting an imaginary dagger in her stomach, sinking it deeper by the minute. What did it mean? Why was she feeling like dying? Quickly, the answer came like thunder; simple, Mara, you’re jealous and quite a lot, girl…
“Jealous…” She repeated in a small voice, utterly aghast at her discovery.
No, I can’t believe. Oded isn’t even my boyfriend, fiancé or my husband. Then, why am I reacting so possessively? She shook her head to dismiss quickly those plaguing thoughts. ¡Oh, Dios! (Oh, God!) Don’t be so pathetic, Mara, and move your nice butt now…
She took a long breath in to try to recover her self-control. Once she thought she was ready to face the new situation without losing her dignity, Mara walked towards the table, nailing her eyes to the woman. Suddenly, the woman stood up and bid farewell to Oded, then walked straight towards Mara, obviously oblivious to who she was, to meet a couple waiting for her by the door. She left with them, disappearing from Mara’s sight. Sighing in relief, Mara walked back to her table, her lips drawing a nice smile as she found herself by Oded’s side.
“I’m back,” she said softly as she sat down, crossing her long legs. “Sorry, there were many women before me.”
He winked at her as a welcome, while a disarming smile made its appearance on his full lips, making her blush profusely. Oded observed this with pleasure; he really liked her spontaneous reactions before his seductive ways.
“Don’t worry…”
She averted her eyes, embarrassed and reached for her beer hoping a sip would calm down the fierce heat that was running within her at those moments. But when the liquid touched her lips, a look of disgust sketched on her face.
“Geez! It’s hot now,” she complained, putting the bottle back on the table.
“Do you want other? I can order another round. Mine is already over,” he suggested as he spun to look for the waiter.
Mara halted him, putting her hand on his arm. “It won’t be necessary. Or maybe, I’ll get drunk,” she said, giggling slightly.
“Then, I’ll order some waters. I wouldn’t like having to take you to the apartment over my shoulders as you babble incoherencies,” he pointed, teasing her.
“Hey!” She exclaimed as she smacked him softly on his arm. Then, she burst out laughing, followed by him.
When their laughter lessened enough to talk again, he cleared his throat and spoke. “By the way, Mara. Later, I’d like to introduce you a friend of mine who works here as public relations’ manager. I’ve just talked with her, just before you came back.”
She swallowed hard. So, she was a friend of his…Perfect. Mara felt suddenly a bit relieved and asked herself to not have those pathetic and stupid thoughts. After all, he could also have friends of the feminine sex and the fact that Oded wanted her to meet another friend of him, besides Peter, could be like a good signal. Or at least, that was what she thought.
“Alright… I’ll love it,” she said finally, a sweet smile spread on her lips.
“I’m sure you’ll like her. Natalie’s a nice woman and will love to meet you,” he stated gladly. “By the way, she has been in your country. She loves Spain…”
“Really?” Mara was now amazed. “And what part of it has she been to?”
“Er…I think she said…um…How was it? Mmm… Oh, yes! I remember. She said Sevilla. Did I say it well?” Oded inquired her, raising his eyebrows.
“Yes.” A soft smile of approval appeared on her lips. “You said it perfectly, Oded.”
“I’m glad,” he added, winking at her. “By the way, are you gonna want anything else? I can order some waters, if you want.”
“Oh, no! Thanks,” she replied kindly, shaking her head.
“In that case, what do you think if we go?” He suggested, nailing his eyes to her hazel ones.
“Fine.”
“Then, let me pay for the beers and we’ll be able to go,” he stated as he stood up.
“Wait, Oded,” she halted him, standing up suddenly. He looked at her, frowning. “Let me, please, get it this time. Until now, you’ve been the only one who has paid everything and…”
“No, Mara. It’s not necessary,” he cut her off, putting his hand on her hand that was opening her purse. “I don’t mind doing it.”
“But I want to do it,” she protested. Then, she stared at him intensely. “I insist.”
Oded took a long breath in as he kept his eyes nailed to hers. Mara’s eyes were full of determination and stubbornness. So, seeing she wouldn’t accept a “no” as an answer, he relented. “Alright… But, just for this time, ok?”
“Ha! We’ll see this…” She added with a naughty smile playing on her lips as she headed for the bar. Once she approached it, she felt Oded’s presence behind her, dangerously close to her, at mere inches.
He reached for the bar, surrounding Mara with his arms and keeping her stuck to him. Then, he got his mouth close to her ear and clicked his tongue mischievously. “I see you want to have the last word, young lady.”
She cringed, gasping softly. His deep and rich voice being whispered into her ear was something that created havoc in her. Something that made her shiver uncontrollably up and down her spine. Something that made her feel how her legs lost the power of holding her on the ground and started to tremble involuntarily. Something that made her catch her breath in as she involuntarily closed her eyes, moaning softly. Something… something that told her she was alive and feeling new sensations and longing to feel much more by his side.
“Mara…” He broke her inner thoughts. “The waiter’s waiting for you.”
“Oh, sorry,” she apologized, opening her purse and taking some bucks out, handing them to him.
Oded removed his hands then and put some distance between them. Not because he had felt her awkwardness before his nearness, but because suddenly he realized people must be staring at them and he didn’t want to give them the pleasure to gossip at their expense once again. He knew he had kissed Mara openly and in public when they were having breakfast. That happened unconsciously, almost without thinking of it, following his own instincts. But this time he would hold his impulses, even though what he wanted most was to kiss her senseless. From now on, he would take care of them both. He would not allow anybody to interfere in their relationship or to invade their privacy. At least, he would try it.
“Ready to go, Oded,” she said, looking at him sweetly.
“Alright,” he replied, putting one hand on the small of her back and guiding her towards the exit.
Once outside, Oded suggested having another walk around there before heading for Natalie’s office. He thought it would be better to while away the time, because she could be still busy with those clients and Oded didn’t want to bother her while she was working.
Mara accepted willingly, with a happy smile.
“Fine. Then, come on!” He said her, smiling as he wore his sunglasses. She did the same.
A few steps in silence and Mara broke it suddenly, full of curiosity. “Er…Oded, can I ask you something?”
“Of course! Shoot,” he replied, gladly.
“Since when do you know her?”
“You mean, Natalie?” He specified, getting a quick nod from Mara. “Well, we are not old friends like Peter and I, but we’ve known each other for almost five years, just a little time before I started to shoot “The Mummy”,” he explained.
“Really? And what happened? I mean, how did you meet her?” She was now curious.
“Simple. Peter introduced us. He and I were her to enjoy a show. Natalie had been his older brother’s girlfriend but she and Peter stayed friends after they broke up. I remember it was her first day at work.” A nostalgic smile appeared on his full lips, then a weak chuckle. “She was terribly nervous, although she tried to hide it, but we talked after the show for a pleasant hour. Soon, we realized that we got along well and ended up being friends. That’s all,” he told her openly.
“Cool,” she added, smiling at him and feeling rather lucky for having his friendship. Even though, in her case, she started to feeling she had much more than that…
**********************************
A while later, Oded and Mara went into Natalie’s office. Her door was half open, so he knocked softly on it as he and Mara entered the room, but they found she was still busy talking with someone.
“Oh, sorry, Natalie!” He apologized. “We’ll be back later.”
“Hey, no.” She hastened to stop him, standing up quickly and walking towards them. “I’m already done.”
“We don’t want to bother you, Natalie,” he insisted, as he backed out of the office. Mara did the same, but noticed the pretty auburn-haired woman seemed more pleased by the interruption than upset.“I was just talking with my assistant. Giving him some tasks for the rest of the day. That’s all.” She motioned for them to come in and closed the door behind them. Then, she spoke to his assistant. “Mark, hold my calls, please.” His assistant nodded and rose from his chair with his hands full of folders. “Thank you, Mark.” Then, he left the office, leaving the three alone.
“Are you sure we aren’t interrupting anything important?” Oded asked again to make sure.
His friend nodded slowly. “Absolutely.”
“If you say so…” He shrugged his shoulders, defeated. “You’re the…”
“You must be Mara, am I right?” she said suddenly, cutting him off as she extended her hand not waiting for Oded to make the introduction.
He rolled his eyes up and shook his head. Natalie, Natalie… You can never wait as people use to do, huh? “Yes,” he said at the same time that Mara and a soft giggle washed over them as they looked at each other.
“Nice to meet you, Mara. I’m Natalie Brockman,” she introduced herself as she shook hands with her.
“Mara Sanz. And nice to meet you, too,” she told her, smiling as she studied how she looked. Mara thought sincerely Natalie was a pretty woman, with incredible blue eyes and a nice figure that could be the envy of many women. But what Mara really liked about her, were the tiny freckles scattered on her upper cheeks. She thought that that gave her a naughty and mischievous appearance, and Mara chuckled to herself.
“Well, I see I have no say here,” Oded complained, half jokingly, half seriously.
“Oh, sorry!” Apologized Natalie. “But you should already know how I am. A completely restless woman,” she added, spreading a big smile on her lips as she shrugged her shoulders.
“I know… and despite this, I still love you,” Oded stated, tenderly kissing her cheek.
“Oh, Chieftain! You’ll manage to make me blush,” she said, smacking his arm. “But, please, sit down. I don’t mean to be rude.” She motioned for them to sit on the sofa that was situated a few steps from them. Natalie let them take possession of it, preferring to sit down on a comfortable armchair next to them. “Would you like to have a drink?”
“No, thanks, Natalie,” he said kindly.
“Neither me,” added Mara, shaking her head slightly.
“As you wish… But, I’ll have some water. I’m thirsty,” she stated as she stood up quickly, heading for the small fridge that was camouflaged in a shelf. She took a bottle, filled a glass and took a long sip from it before sitting down again. “By the way…” She cleared her throat and looked at Mara as she put her glass on the small table in front of them. “Oded told me earlier when we met at the bar that you’re Spanish, aren’t you?” Mara nodded, smiling at her. “But he didn’t tell me where you’re exactly from.”
“Barcelona,” she replied, proudly.
“Oh, this city! I’ve heard a lot about it, but alas, I haven’t been there,” Natalie stated, crossing her long legs femininely.
“I know. Oded told me you’ve been to Sevilla,” added Mara, a wide grin on her face. She was starting to feel comfortable talking with her, more than she had wanted to admit before. They had something in common and Mara liked this. At least, the conversation wouldn’t be dry and simple between them.
“And did you like your stay there?” Mara was now curious.
“Of course, I did!” Natalie exclaimed euphorically. An intense sparkle washed over her blue eyes, making them clearer, full of life. “I liked everything, but what I enjoyed most was an authentic Spanish bullfight. I had seen several here, in L.A., but none like the ones I saw in La Maestranza managed to move me, to make me shiver emotionally. And the bullfighters… Oh, my Gawd! They were incredible, dressed with those tight pants…”
Mara couldn’t help but giggle at Natalie’s last comment. She really knew what she meant and agreed totally. Bullfighters’ tight pants were something that a woman’s eyes couldn’t help but contemplate, and Mara was certain Natalie appreciated that detail a lot.
“Er… ladies?” Oded’s deep voice made them look at him, interrupting their friendly chat. “If you two want, I can go out and let you talk in private.”
“Oh, sorry!” Mara apologized, feeling utterly embarrassed by her bad manners. “I didn’t mean…”
“I’m sorry, too, Chieftain,” added Natalie, putting a hand over her chest as she bowed her head humbly. “We forgot for a moment we weren’t alone.”
“Don’t worry,” he said, giving them one of his disarming smiles. “I’m glad to see you two are getting along so well.”
“And why not? I’m your friend and love to meet your new friends,” Natalie stated, staring at him first and then, at Mara.
He shook his head, giving her a look of ‘I get your point, Natalie’ and then, he watched Mara, who couldn’t help but blush. She also got the clear insinuation but remained silent, avoiding looking at anyone.
Natalie giggled mischievously as she reached for her glass to down a long sip. “Anyway, Oded, how’re things doing in your life? Tell me, I’m eager to know.”
“I guess you know I got a new job in a new series called “The Weight of the Past” and I’ll start shooting it in two weeks more or less,” he explained, gladly.
“That’s great! Congratulations!” she shouted cheerfully as she stood up to hug him, to Mara and Oded’s amazement. When she broke the affectionate embrace, she returned to her armchair. “I knew nothing about that. Remember I’ve been out of the States these past months. Anyway, I’m so happy for you, my friend.”
“Thank you, Natalie. I know you mean every word,” he thanked her truthfully, a warm smile drawn on his handsome face. “And what about you, Nat? Besides your travel to Sevilla and
“I’ve been putting some order into my life, finding some peace to my soul, enjoying to the utmost every day and thanking God for being alive and for giving me a wonderful opportunity to feel again,” she said tremendously serious.
“Wow! Natalie… it has been so… profound,” he told her, utterly surprised by her friend’s statement. “I see you’re much better than when I last saw you.”
“Yeah! You’re right, Oded,” she admitted, nodding slowly. “These have been the best months of my life. I’ve made up with my little sister and our relationship is now excellent, as it never was before. So, at last, I feel full of energy again, ready to face any coming adversity.”
“I’m so glad to hear that, Natalie. I want to see you like this, full of optimism and hope,” he stated, smiling warmly at her friend. He knew perfectly what she was talking about and it had been a hard time for her. Now, luckily, she smiled again.
Mara tried to imagine what they were talking about, but she said nothing. It seemed to be a conversation between just them, so she knew very well she must keep quiet, just listening politely.
Natalie realized how thoughtful and quiet Mara was, and wondered about it, but decided Mara must be comfortable letting her monopolize Oded’s attention. They chatted about how they had both been, and also, about Peter. Natalie wanted to know how he was, and Oded eagerly filled her in on their mutual friend, leaving out the detail that he was in Las Vegas with Susan. He thought it was Peter’s place to explain about something so personal.
After Mara explained why she was on holidays there, Oded stoop up, to the girls’ amazement.
“I’m just going to the restrooms,” he explained. “So, you can talk quietly for awhile.”
“Perfect. But, don’t be long, Chieftain,” asked Natalie.
“Don’t worry…” He walked towards the door and before going out of the office, he turned and winked at Mara with a lovely smile that made her shiver up and down. Then, he closed the door behind him, leaving them alone.
Mara let a long sigh out slowly; Oded’s shows of affection always managed to take her breath away and this time wasn’t an exception. The little silence that there was between them after he left, helped her to recover from his disarming smiles.
“Natalie,” she said suddenly, breaking their silent moment. “Maybe, it’s not my business, but I’ve realized you’ve used a nickname several times with Oded and I was wondering why you call him Chieftain.”
Oded’s friend chuckled softly as she nailed her clear blue eyes to Mara’s. “I knew you’d ask me this question. But, I don’t mind answering.” She took a long breath in before talking again. “I started to use this nickname with him after I saw him in “The Mummy” as Ardeth Bay. He managed to impress me, so I couldn’t help but imagine him like a magnificent Medjai Chieftain every time I looked at him. That’s why I started calling him this.”
“You’re right,” Mara admitted, giggling slightly. “I suppose they must be his eyes or his piercing way of looking what made you think he looked so magnificent and powerful.”
“Yeah… And I guess he still has this power in his eyes,” added Natalie, staring at her. “Oh, I forgot his smile! Two good combinations for winning any woman’s heart quickly…” Her words possessed an indisputable hint and Mara realized it, but she said nothing as if she hadn’t heard her last comment.
But Natalie pushed the issue a bit more. Clearing her throat slightly, she added, “You know, Mara… you’re really a lucky woman.”
“Why?” The Spanish girl was now astonished by this remark.
Natalie didn’t reply her right away. She looked at the girl, studying her features and deciding she had to admit Mara possessed a fresh beauty, full of sensuality and charisma, accentuated by her expressive and mysterious hazel eyes. Yes… This girl was very pretty. There was no doubt about that… She chuckled mentally as she recognized that Oded hadn’t lost his good taste in women.
She raised her eyebrows, smiling at her warmly. “Well, it’s simple. I’ve known Oded for a long time and I have never seen him looking at a girl the way he does at you.” Natalie stood up, walked towards the fridge and took other water bottle as she resumed her talking, without realizing her next words. “He never looked at me like that when we were dating.”
Mara’s expression was clearly stunned. Natalie noticed it when she saw the amazement in Mara’s hazel eyes. Suddenly she knew she had put her foot in it.
“Er… you didn’t know this, did you?” Mara shook her head slowly but didn’t avert her look from Oded’s friend. “Well, it doesn’t matter. Anyway, it wasn’t anything very serious, believe me.”
“Then, what sort of relationship did you two share, Natalie?” Mara asked with a mix of curiosity and concern in her voice.
Natalie’s eyes sparkled with complicity. “You know something, Mara?” she asked in a confidential tone. “I do like you. Direct to the point.” She got closer to her once again and sat down on her armchair, leaving the bottle on the table. “Look…” She nailed her eyes to hers, softly. “Oded and I were dating for several months, but nothing really serious. We just had fun and enjoyed being together but we realized soon that our relationship wouldn’t work out because we both looked for different things in our lives. So, we left it like that. That’s all.”
She looked at Natalie, who seemed to be regretting her indiscretion. Mara was annoyed at this revelation but knew it was better to not display this. After all, she hadn’t any power over Oded; she was his friend, a special one, but just a friend.
“Mara, I want you to understand one thing,” Natalie broke the silence between them, with a sweet smile on her lips. “I’m not a rival, believe me. I’m in love with someone and it’s not Oded, I can assure you…”
“Natalie,” she said with a quiet voice, cutting her off. “You don’t need to justify yourself before me. I’m not Oded’s girlfriend, remember… We are just getting to know each other, just that.”
Natalie’s warm smile touched Mara’s confused heart. “Mara, I have eyes on my face and can see how you stare at him and vice versa. Between you two there’s something magical and different, so I want you to understand that I’m truly happy for you both.” She reached for her hand and clasped it softly.
“Thank you, Natalie,” Mara replied, nodding slowly.
“Please, Mara, don’t be upset with Oded for not having told you this.” Natalie frowned with concern. “I’m sure he will…”
“I know, Natalie, I know,” Mara reassured her, returning her soft squeeze. “I have a tendency to make a mountain from a simple grain of sand. I too, have a life before Oded. You know, the guy knocked my socks off!”
Natalie chuckled with delight and raised an eyebrow. “I bet he did!”
They both laughed together and any awkward feeling that could have been between them, left the room for good.
“Hell, Mara!” Natalie exclaimed. “I do like you! I… well, I guess we can be friends.” Her blue eyes nailed to Mara’s with a girlish expression.
“I can’t see why not…” And then, she giggled softly.
She could feel that that auburn-haired woman of clear blue eyes and impressive figure, was really being truthful with her and she appreciated that fact.
Smiling, Natalie resumed her ‘interrogation’. “Tell me, how did you two meet? I’d like to know it. I’m curious…”
“Um… that? Well, it’s a weird story and I don’t know if you…” started Mara, halting her words when she heard the door opening.
Oded appeared before them and Mara’s face lit up suddenly. Her eyes sparkled intensely when they landed on his dark ones and received from him a lovely wink.
“Did I interrupt anything?” he asked, smiling at Mara sweetly as he walked towards the sofa, sitting by her side.
“Oh, no! We were just chatting. You know, girl talk,” answered Natalie cheerfully.
“I see…” He added, looking at his Spanish friend knowingly, who couldn’t help but blush once again before his piercing stare. “Well, Nat,” his eyes wavered then to his friend. “As much as I’m enjoying this, we should get going. I’d like…”
Natalie chuckled and shook her head. “Yeah, yeah, you’d like to take this young lady out of my sight for good. Maybe… take her to some private place to enjoy your company in a… hum… more… er… pleasant way?” She finished, wiggling her brows at him.
Oded burst out laughing and Mara wished for the ground to open and swallow her right then. Geez, she could even feel her ears getting hot!
“Natalie, don’t you dare change, my friend,” Oded said, standing up and approaching her. “You know, you will always be something else.” He took her by surprise when he hugged her, pressing her against his body in a friendly gesture.
Mara couldn’t help but smile. She also stood up and approached them. When they parted, Natalie smiled at her and she felt definitely welcomed as well as surprised when the woman hugged her.
“Take care of him, Mara. He’s just a man,” she teased. “A hot-good-enough-to-eat sort of man, but a man after all.”
“I know. Anyway, I will,” said Mara, chuckling.
They left Natalie’s office and Oded took her hand in his. He squeezed it softly and Mara looked at him with sparkling eyes.
“She’s amazing,” she said.
“Yes, she is,” Oded agreed. He frowned slightly. Then, he added. “You know…We… well, we dated for some time years ago.”
Mara beamed inwardly at his admission. “I know,” she said softly.
Oded stopped and his dark eyes bore into hers. “She told you that, didn’t she?” Mara nodded and he nearly cringed. “Does this bother you?” he asked, needing to know her feelings.
Mara sighed and shook her head ‘no’. “Not at all,” she revealed. “For a moment there I… I became upset. But after some moments I realized that I was just being… er… well…”
“You were being…?” Oded tried to suppress a smile.
“Jealous,” she finally blurted out.
“Jealous, huh?” He arched an eyebrow and she blushed again.
“Uh huh,” she admitted.
Oded chuckled as he surrounded her waist with his hands, pressing her against his body. And this time, there was nothing friendly in his touch. This time he was all business, trying to convey his growing desire for her.
“I love it!” he exclaimed.
“I knew you would!” she returned.
Laughing, they interweaved their hands and resumed their strolling. Enjoying their company, they both kept silent and relished in their nearness, in that precious moment together, in the warm feeling of their hands… They would take things as they came. No rush, no questions… Just them and their world.
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A Sweet Obsession – Chapter 14