Perfect Kisses

by Maine, Miley

  Tony was so nice. He was cocky and arrogant for sure, but I expected that mostly from his reputation and the fact he’d been raised so privileged. His father had started this huge global company before Tony was even born. That sort of thing was just in him for the long haul.

  The conversation between us picked up right after that. Tony was so easy going when he spoke to me. It was like we were old friends playing catch up or something. We seemed to have a lot in common, or I was just picking up on things because I was so nervous. I could hardly remember everything that was said, but I knew that I felt really comfortable with Tony.

  And it didn’t hurt that I found him irresistibly attractive. The man just oozed sex appeal. The moment I saw him sitting there as I walked into his office, my knees wanted to melt into the floor. I could hardly stand and walk. All of those nerves and fears I’d been feeling earlier came back right then and they were amplified now. I could hardly hold myself together when I was answering his questions.

  But little by little the meeting went better and better. And now I was sitting at my desk working on coming up with a marketing strategy for the new software launch. I was working on the beta version. The rest of the team was working on the alpha version. We were going to see which one turned out to be more profitable where people would spend more money and also find out the threshold where people would not spend any more for that value. It was a slippery slope, but I was supposed to be pretty good at this shit. Why was my mind drawing a blank?

  Could it be Tony…?

  Damn. It was. I knew it was. I was so attracted to him. Me and a million other women of course, but there was a particular thing that seemed to shine in him when he was speaking with me. I felt awakened suddenly. That didn’t make much sense to me. I was dealing in the realm of feelings and feelings rarely made much sense to me. That’s why I always dealt in the world of logic.

  Having gushy feelings for any guy was not what I needed right now. I had to focus on doing well in this job and making a name for myself right from the get-go. I had to work hard. I had to stand out. I wasn’t going to stand out as the intern who ended up in the boss’s bed.

  Was he even that attracted to me? It was tough to say. I could see Tony being that confident and borderline flirty with just about anyone. But what if he actually felt something different for me…?

  “What are you thinking about?”

  The voice of Barb Stanning interrupted my thoughts. She was sitting at the cubicle beside mine. Barb was a sweetheart. She’d been with the company for about six years and she seemed to love what she did. She was fun and outgoing, a regular life of the party type, even though she didn’t look to be the gregarious one. She looked more like a pretty librarian than a marketing executive. But she was flirty and teased everyone about everything. She was so bubbly and zany that it worked for her. I was glad that she seemed to like me and so far, she’d taken me under her wing and was happy to answer any question that I might have.

  She was about average height with large breasts that she was not afraid to show off in her low-cut sweaters, thick glasses, and her hair tied back in a ponytail. She had kind, but sexy eyes and the way she worked her mouth when she spoke almost looked like she was kissing an invisible frog to turn it into a prince or something.

  I was snapped out of my daydream by her voice. “No, I wasn’t thinking about anything except for this.”

  She laughed. “Bullshit. You were thinking about him.”

  I pretended to have no idea. “Him?”

  “Tony.”

  “The boss? The head honcho?” I asked. If Barb knew me at all, she would have known I was lying by my use of the word head honcho.

  “Yeah, that Tony. You want him, don’t you?”

  I stared at her in disbelief. How in the hell did she know this? Could she read my mind?

  “What are you talking about?” I asked.

  “It’s ok. Every single female intern gets the same look in their eyes when they first start. They have to get him out of their system. I hate to break the news to you, but he rarely dates his employees, and he is basically a confirmed bachelor.”

  “You mean he is a player or something?”

  She shook her head. “No, he isn’t anything that smarmy. He just doesn’t seem to be the marrying type. I don’t think he will ever settle down. I’ve seen him date three different women for long-term relationships. We are talking a year, two years… hell, he even dated Kimberly for three years, but then she left him because he wouldn’t commit. At least, that is what I heard, but you know the rumor mill and gossip machine of places like this. With social media that sort of stuff has become so much worse.”

  “What is his fear of commitment?”

  “I heard a rumor that he was in love once and either got dumped or the girl died, and he never really recovered from it. But again, I don’t know for sure. I’m just warning you not to get your hopes up about dating him and if he does ask you out, do not assume that things are ever going to be permanent with the two of you.”

  “Did you ever date him?” I asked.

  She laughed. “No, I’m not quite up to his standards,” she said.

  “You are very attractive,” I replied. “What do you mean?”

  “Yeah, physically he might be down, but I’m too much of a smart ass. At least that is what I tell myself. I might be completely full of shit.”

  I chuckled. Barb was funny.

  But I was taking her advice to heart. She seemed to know the ins and outs of the place better than anyone. I wondered what Tony’s fear of commitment was really all about. It was intriguing, and it actually made me want him that much more. Wow, I was hopeless, a real glutton for punishment it would seem.

  What was I even thinking about? Tony had not expressed any desire to date me or have anything romantic with me at all. I had concocted this all in my mind so far.

  I finished out the working day and I thought I was actually starting to find my rhythm and pacing. I left the floor and rode the elevator down to the bottom. I was tired and so ready to go home and crack open a beer while relaxing with a good book. That sounded like a great plan to me. Tomorrow I would be right back at it bright and early.

  To my amazement, some of the others were actually listening to some of my ideas. I knew I was going to like it here.

  When I stepped off the elevator, I noticed how much more decorations there were hanging up in the lobby. That morning there had been one small tree in the corner and now there were two large ten foot tall Christmas trees with lights standing in the other two corners on opposite sides of the elevator.

  There were streams of tinsel everywhere, a plastic Santa standing in front of a sleigh with a few reindeer that lit up to look as if they were all waving at you as you walked by. And there was great holiday classic Christmas music playing from overhead. Most of this had not been there that morning when I arrived. I took a moment to thoroughly enjoy the moment.

  I then turned to walk out of the building towards my car. I was almost to the door when I saw Tony walking to the elevator from another point of the huge lobby. I watched him walking for a moment. He seemed so deep in thought. He was so handsome that he literally took my breath away. I wasn’t sure how I could be around him without wanting him. Thankfully, I wasn’t going to be working that directly with him.

  He caught my eye just then. Right before he stepped on the elevator. He pointed to the decorations and gave me a wink.

  I gave him a thumbs up for approval. The elevator doors closed just then, and he was gone.

  I stood there for a moment and then I remembered the off the hand comment I’d made about how much I loved Christmas decorations and seeing every building you walked into decorated this time of year. Had Tony taken that comment and ran with it? Did he get all of this done that fast? Just because of what I said.

  “I’ll be…” I muttered.

  Tony was some kind of man. I felt that he might be even more amazing than I knew.

 
When I got home, I slumped down in my favorite chair with that cold beer I’d been craving. I was far more exhausted than I had been when I left the building, but somehow, I couldn’t wait to get back there and get more things done. I loved being a part of something so special. It made me feel that I was truly special as well and I really did belong there. I’d made it through sheer will and hard work.

  And now I was determined not to squander the opportunity.

  I was just scrolling through the Netflix listings when my phone rang. It was Lizzy.

  “Hey, skank,” I answered.

  “Hey, cock,” she shot back.

  I laughed. “What are you up to?”

  “Just chilling. I just got back from the salon. Those new people I hired have no clue how to cut hair. I should send them back to beauty school.”

  “That’s rough. Didn’t you give them a test or something before they started working for you?”

  “No. The school certificate they have says they passed those tests already. That’s the purpose of it. I’m starting to believe that they are all spoofed. I think these new kids are getting these things off the internet.”

  “Right. I’m sure it’s an elaborate plan to trick you into hiring them so they can mess up people’s haircuts. When they see these people walking around, they can point and laugh. They’ll whip out their cameras and put it on their Instagram to let everyone know they did that shit.”

  She was almost rolling on the floor laughing now. She was so easy to bust up. “You are terrible. But the worst part is I think you are actually right.”

  “Just check the credentials better. That’s all you have to do.”

  “Thanks for the tip. So, how was your day?”

  “It was actually really great,” I said.

  “Did you fuck him yet?”

  “What?”

  “Yeah, that Tony Caplan is so hot. I’ve seen him on television a time or two.”

  I shook my head and wiped my mouth. “You are warped. But no. I did not fuck him. He seems like a nice guy. I’m going to enjoy working there.”

  “Well, that is great. I think you should go for it though. When are you going to have the opportunity to sleep with a billionaire again? You need to take advantage of these things when they come up.”

  “I’m not sleeping with anyone. Why are you so warped on this?”

  “I’m not warped. I just think you are wasting a nice opportunity. But it’s none of my business. You should at least go out with Jake. You know how much he likes you.”

  “I’m not dating your brother. You yourself have told me how much of a pig he is.” Jake was a year younger than Lizzy, but he acted like he was all of twelve. He had a lot of growing up to do and I didn’t think he was going to do that anytime soon.

  “I think the two of you would make an adorable couple,” she giggled.

  “I know you’re trying to set me up for a horrible night out,” I said. “I’d tell you how bad it was and you’d get a good laugh going. I know how your sick, twisted little mind works.”

  “Ok, fine. Don’t date my brother. But why not give this billionaire a chance?”

  “Where is this coming from? It’s my first day on the job and you are already asking me to flirt with the boss.”

  “I’m just saying it wouldn’t hurt for you to be a bit proactive.”

  “Proactive against what?”

  “If the boss really likes you then he is more apt to listen to your ideas. And it is great for causing jealousy among your coworkers. If they think you are in tight with him then they will hate you.”

  “How is that a good thing?”

  “Because then they will talk smack about you, and he will wonder why they would do such a thing when in his eyes you are totally awesome. That makes them look bad. And he starts to observe them a bit more closely. Then he can see how bad they really are at their jobs and you start to shine. How do you not know any of this? It’s like you have never watched any reality shows.”

  “This isn’t a TV show and I’m not doing that. I will be fine on my own merit, but I do appreciate you taking such an interest in my new work life.”

  “That’s what besties are for. By the way, have you talked to Nellie?”

  “No… why?”

  “Oh, my God…I have to tell you this. She’s been dating that new guy, Jason, right?”

  “Yeah…”

  “Well, they’ve been dating for about two months and things are progressing nicely and she feels that this is the night she is going to get busy with him. Why she has waited this long, I have no idea. It’s like she read The Rules and is stuck in the eighties. This isn’t your mother’s reckless twenties, right? Anyway…they go out to dinner and things are going great. Then when they get back to his place they start making out and things escalate. Jason suddenly stops in the middle of this and asks her if she would mind only doing anal.”

  “What? That’s weird…”

  “Yeah. He said he's saving himself for marriage. So, he only does oral and anal because that doesn’t count as actual sex according to his religion.”

  “Oh, shit,” I said. “That is strange. What did Nellie say?”

  “She said the anal was pretty good,” Lizzy replied.

  I burst out laughing. “She did not!”

  “She totally did. I’m just telling you what she told me. My guess would be that it totally freaked her out and she chickened out of the whole thing, but who knows. Anyway, have you ever let a guy in the back door?”

  I paused. “I’m suddenly thinking you made all of this up to ask me this random question.”

  “No, I did not make any of this up. Ask Nellie; I’m sure she’ll tell you. Hell, she’ll probably put it on all of her social media.”

  I shook my head. “That is so bizarre. But to answer your question, no. Why do you have that on the brain tonight?”

  “I’m curious. No guy has ever even asked me to try it. I feel left out.”

  “Maybe they thought you’d say no.”

  “I’m pretty sure I’d say yes. I think it’s obvious from my bubbly personality that I’m down to try anything. You know, I think I’d even try pegging. Maybe do a swapping deal. He fucks my ass; I fuck his ass. I’ve always wanted to wear one of those strap-on things.”

  “Are you on high or something?”

  “No more than usual,” she said.

  “Well, thanks for the laughs tonight. I needed them after the stressful first day. I think tomorrow will be easier.”

  I finished the phone call and watched a bit of television until I was tired enough to go to sleep. When I laid down to bed that night though, I could not stop thinking about Tony. I wondered what kinky things he would like to try in bed.

  And I wondered what kinky things I’d let him do.

  5

  Tony

  Two Weeks Later

  The Christmas party was amazing.

  It was my favorite time of the year. We always held the party in the ballroom that was built on the bottom floor of the main building. The crew I’d hired a few weeks back had done an impeccable job getting the place ready for the annual party. Everyone was there with their significant others. They were drinking, laughing, joking, and dancing their troubles away. That’s the way Christmas should be every single year.

  My father had never been that interested in the holidays. I can remember that my mother and I spent the holidays alone half the time since he was at the office, which meant his staff was there as well. He used to say that no one could get ahead without doing what the competition was not willing to do. Hardly anyone worked three hundred and sixty-five days per year. That was why he had built a huge empire, I supposed. I owed him a lot that way, but sometimes I even wondered if it was worth the sacrifices. I worked hard to make sure my team had nights like this. It was my way of giving back to them, to thank them for all of their efforts.

  “Enjoying the party?” Quinton asked at my shoulder.

  I didn’t even know he wa
s there yet. I was too busy schmoozing with one person or the other. I also invited several of our biggest investors to the ball. So, there was always some work that could be done.

  “Yes,” I replied. I gave him a hearty slap on the back and then I reached out to take Sophie’s hand. “Sophie, it’s a pleasure as always.” I kissed her hand softly really laying it on properly. She smiled and blushed a little bit. This made Quinton uncomfortable, but I’ve always been a huge fan of tradition.

  “Thank you,” Sophie said. “You aren’t dancing? I’m amazed. Who are you here with?”

  “I’m flying solo,” I replied.

  Sophie looked shocked. “Wow, I never thought I’d see the day when you came to this party by yourself.”

  “Oh, I might ask a few ladies to dance here and there, but tonight is really just about enjoying the season. You know I’m not actively dating anyone.”

  “I admire your strength,” she said.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Isn’t it bad for your image?”

  “I suppose,” I said. I shrugged. “I’ve never been too concerned with my image. I’m much more concerned with my brand. That’s what affects the business. My love life doesn’t.”

  “Gotcha.”

  “What are you doing this weekend?” Quinton asked.

  “I’m not sure, yet” I said. “Why?”

  “Well, I was thinking that it might be a good time to go white water rafting, like you were talking about. I told Sophie and she is ready to go.”

  “Um…sure. We should be able to make that happen. Let me research the best spot this time of year. It’s tougher to find a good surge during the winter months. But yeah, that sounds like fun.”

  “He’s been super excited about it ever since you put that idea in his head,” Sophie said.

  “Glad to do it,” I said. I gave Quinton an approving look, but I wished I could have told him to tone it down a bit. He was acting way too eager with it. It could be a bit off putting.

  I mingled with a few more people at the party and had a few drinks. I wasn’t dancing though. Now I wasn’t sure I was even going to dance, although I’d mentioned that I might. I wasn’t sure I was going to do anything in the realm of romance or what might be interpreted to be romantic with any woman any time soon. I was too focused on work, and lately the memories had been pulling at me. It had been over ten years, but I still could not stop thinking about how much I missed her.