by Amy L. Gale
The cool bricks sizzle against my hot skin. Our lips slam together, nothing but uninhabited animal passion flowing between us. My heart hammers against my chest. I grab the waist of his jeans and pull him forward, smashing him against me. Oh God, I need him. A low moan escapes from his throat. He slides his fingers beneath the hem of my shirt. Ah, skin to skin contact. Wait a minute! I don’t want my co-workers to come out and see us. No need to be pegged as the office nympho.
I pull away, panting heavily. “Let’s get back to my apartment. The sooner the better.”
He rests his forehead against mine and catches his breath. “We’ll see how fast this Chevy can go.”
Van presses the gas pedal hard, running two stop signs and I’m pretty sure the speed limit isn’t eighty. Why is this ride taking so long? Finally, he hits the brakes and jerks the car into park before coming over to my side like a true gentleman. That demeanor doesn’t last long. He rips open the door and pulls me out of the car by my hips.
My breathing quickens and I’m pressed against the smooth metal side-panel. Soft lips travel over every inch of mine. My heart pounds and my nerve endings stir, like blazing sparks charring throughout my entire body. He glides his hands under my shirt, lifting it up to my bra. The cold metal sends goose bumps along my skin. I pull him as close as I can, smashing our bodies together. He wants me just as badly as I want him. How can the zipper of those jeans contain him?
Boom! Thunder roars through the night and cool drops of precipitation crash into my hot skin. Is it possible for steam to emit from my body? In a moment, we’re thoroughly drenched! Thank God the rain doesn’t hinder our unstoppable passion. Van lifts me up, his lips never leaving mine, and marches through the driveway and over to my apartment placing me back on my feet at the door.
My hands tremble as I fumble with the keys. Finally, I open the door. We kick off our shoes and start up right where we left off. Van scoops me up again and walks us to the bathroom. He sets me on my feet and steps back.
“I like that shirt even better when it’s soaking wet.” He licks his lips.
My white blouse, now see through, clings to my body. I slowly unbutton and remove it from my rain soaked skin.
“It looks even better on the floor.” Van lets out a slight moan and reaches his arms around my waist, unzipping my skirt and letting it fall to the floor. “The view just keeps getting better.”
I tug at the button of his jeans, finally releasing him from the constricting fabric. Our last few articles of clothing fly through the air as we rip them off each other and step into the shower. The warm water is no match for the fire burning inside me. I need Van’s love now! My mouth becomes moist and adrenaline surges through my veins. I run my fingers down his chest, following the path of the trickling water down to his waist but he holds my hands and wraps my arms around him. I try to pull free, but he holds me tight. He slowly glides his tongue along my neck and breast, swirling it around my nipple. My heart is hammering and I can barely catch my breath. Why must he drive me completely wild?
“I can’t wait any longer, I need you now.” I pant and move from side to side, trying to free my hands.
“Haven’t you heard that good things come to those who wait?” He holds my hands tighter.
Patience is a virtue I haven’t been blessed with. I drop to my knees and wrap my mouth around him, moving my lips and tongue in an array of twists and turns.
“Oh God,” Van groans and pushes me away from him. “You’ve waited long enough.”
He lifts me up and pushes me against the wall of the shower, slamming himself against me. I moan as he enters me, my muscles quivering and twitching. I hook my leg around his waist, our bodies finding the perfect rhythm together. How did I make it through these last three weeks? The water hitting our flesh intensifies the electricity already flowing through me. I dig my fingers into Van’s back, calling out his name as I let myself go, finding my release of pure pleasure. I pant as he continues to thrust himself hard inside me. Adrenaline rushes through my veins. I weave my fingers in his hair, gripping it firmly as desires build within. The intensity returns with a vengeance, and I find my release again. He pushes himself deep inside of me and lets out a loud moan as he finds his.
We catch our breaths and dry off. Is there anything in the world more amazing than Van? My legs shake on the way to the bedroom. Van collapses on my bed. My eyes travel along the tan cotton sheets to the shirtless rock god in blue jeans, his head propped up with his elbow, and his hair slicked back, still damp from the shower. What a breathtaking view! I stand at the foot of the bed and stare at this beautiful man in front of me. He’s all mine.
“Hey, earth to Lexie,” Van says and throws a pillow at me.
I shake my head, pulling myself out of a trance as the pillow hits my arm. “Sorry, you look so damn sexy.” I bite my lip.
He raises his eyebrows. “Really? Why don’t you come over here and explain exactly how sexy I am, using as few words as possible?”
I run my tongue along my lips and throw the pillow back at him. “So far, I don’t think we’ve used all that many words tonight.”
Van flashes a wry smile. “Actions are better than words.”
I crawl onto the bed and prop myself up, facing him. “Looks like we hit our halfway point. Are you sad the tour’s almost over?”
“Are you kidding me? I can only be without you for so long.” He brushes his fingertips along my arm.
A rolling flutter comes over my stomach. This conversation is destined to take a turn for the worse. “We’ll be hitting those satin sheets the day your tour ends.”
He moves his fingers in patterns across my hands, and then slowly lifts his eyes. “Any idea how long you’ll be hitting those satin sheets with me?”
Oh no, here we go. “I guess that would be up to you.” I flash a seductive smile.
“If it was up to me, we’d never leave those sheets.” He places his hand on my chin and lifts it up, staring intently into my eyes. “Honestly, have you decided what you plan to do?”
Why do I always lose myself in those emerald eyes? My mouth is dry and I’m becoming faint. My heart pounds. I have to be with Van one way or another, but I love my job and I’m not quite ready to give it up. How can I buy some more time? “I find out the details of my new work assignment next week, Friday at the latest. Then we can make a plan, ok?”
Van exhales loudly. “Next Friday it is.” His lips press into a hard line. “I need to plan my life too.”
My chest tightens and I look down at the floor. Ugh, I’m probably holding back his future plans with the band. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out soon.”
“I hope so.” He pinches his lips together and rubs the back of his neck.
I sigh. How am I going to save this night? Time to use my imagination. “I promise.” I kiss his cheek and slide off the side of the bed. “You hungry?”
“Sure.” He shrugs, his lips still in a hard line.
“Be right back.” I quickly make some sandwiches and bring them in; along with a bottle of wine, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream. “After we finish our sandwiches, I plan on getting creative with dessert.”
“I prefer my dessert first,” Van says, raising his eyebrows.
He sets down the sandwiches and grasps my waist, pulling me onto the bed and rolling over on top of me. My breathing becomes rapid as he pulls off my Devil’s Garden T-shirt, which has become my new bedtime attire, leaving me naked and lying on the bed.
“I’m a chocolate lover.” He takes the chocolate syrup and pops open the lid with his teeth.
He drizzles it over my breasts, down my belly, and onto my nether regions. Goose bumps arise as he runs his tongue slowly over my skin, licking off the chocolate from top to bottom, paying special attention to my more sensual areas. Adrenaline pumps through my blood causing me to release all of my intense energy one more time.
I catch my breath and rub my eyes, trying to get my bearings straight. Whoa, that wa
s intense! Once I’m able to compose myself, I reach for the can of whipped cream.
“Everything needs to be topped off with some whipped cream.” I squirt it all over Van’s naked torso.
Hmm, yummy! I lick slowly and sensually, running my tongue across his chest and over his abs, until he grows enough to meet my lips. My tongue gently rolls against him, causing him to tense. He groans and his veins pulse. I continue my seduction until he calls out and I taste him over the sweet whipped cream.
We lay on the bed, sticky and completely satisfied. “I think we may need another shower.” I hop off the bed and hurry to start the water.
We quickly rinse off one more time and make our way back to the bedroom.
“Sorry I didn’t notice before, those sandwiches look great.”
My mouth waters. “We’ll need some nourishment if we plan to continue our weekend like this.” I giggle.
If prison is this good I’ll break every law! Who would’ve thought being confined for two days is pure paradise. Van and I hardly move from my bedroom as we enjoy each other, savoring every second we have. Is it even possible to get enough of one another to last us for the next three weeks? Definitely not, but it’s worth a try.
Time defeats me once again. We’re faced with Sunday afternoon, and I’m back at the airport bidding goodbye to Van. Please, let this be the last time.
∞
The alarm echoes through the room like a battle cry on Monday morning. I slam my hand around the night stand, desperately trying to reach the snooze button, but it continues to sound. I stretch and rub my eyes, finally focusing enough to shut off the alarm. I drag myself from the bed and gaze out the window upon a dreary, rainy day. I just want to roll over and stay in bed; however, I have to work for a living. No need to continue the fantasy, time to get ready for my day.
I wipe my feet and shake off my umbrella, fastening it in its pouch as I walk into the office. Simone is already hard at work. She hangs up the phone just as I make my way toward her desk.
“We had so much fun Friday night. Your boyfriend’s great, and also easy on the eyes.” Simone winks at me.
“He’s the best.” I blush as I relive a few moments from our weekend together. “I’m glad everyone was able to meet him. Well, with the exception of Owen.”
“I can’t believe he showed up. Word out on the street is that he’s never shown up for an after work celebration.”
I jerk my head back. “Really? He seemed like he was having a good time until he stormed out. What was that about?”
She shrugs. “Don’t know, but FYI, his mood has continued into this morning so beware.”
“Ugh, thanks for the heads up.” I grimace and make my way into Owen’s office.
Why does he look so miserable? He sits back in his chair and gazes at a few folders scattered across his desktop. He leafs through a file as I walk in.
“Good morning, Owen.”
“Yes. Good morning, Alexis. It seems we’re through with the American Gemstone account so from now on, you’ll be working down in the mailroom with the other new hires.”
My face gets hot and there’s no air in my lungs. Have I been sucker punched? I gasp as my brain comprehends the words coming from Owen’s mouth. “What do you mean? I don’t understand. You told me you were going to teach me the ins and outs of advertising and marketing. I took this job to avoid working in a mail room.”
Owen swivels his chair so he’s looking right at me. His face is stern, his mouth in a hard line. “I believe I did teach you the ins and outs of advertising and marketing these last few weeks. Now that you know what lies ahead, you’ll need to work your way up. New hires start in the mailroom, and that’s where you should be. Please send my regards to your boyfriend. It’s a shame we didn’t get to meet.” Owen reaches for his phone and goes back to work as if I’m not even in the room.
How can he do this to me? He didn’t even tell me what I did wrong. My heart is racing so fast the blood is pounding in my ears. My throat is dry and my body begins to tremble. I grab my things and storm out of his office, yanking the door behind me.
Simone jumps as the metal door slams. “What happened?”
“That asshole just sent me to the mailroom. He said all new hires start there. I don’t know what his problem is.” My vision becomes cloudy as tears start to form. “I’ll talk to you later, Simone.”
She rushes over and gives me a quick hug. “Don’t worry. Everything will work out.”
Tears stream down my face as I proceed down the hallway to the stairs. No way am I going to be in a crowded elevator today. I wipe my eyes, take a deep breath, and walk slowly to the mailroom. Please let me compose myself before I get there, no need for a bad impression if this is where I’m destined to be working. I don’t understand. We landed a huge account and I definitely did my share of the work. How can he just demote me?
Whoa! Wait a minute. Owen puts me on a team for a huge account on my first day, Marla and Brian are shocked that I’m already part of this type of team, Owen is constantly touching me and insisting I stay and work late with him in his office, he separates Marla and Brian onto a team so he can work alone with me, and he shows up at the bar for the first time ever and storms out when Van arrives. How could I have been so blind? Owen was trying to seduce me! Oh well, you can’t always get what you want. The bastard’s punishing me for resisting his advances. I guess seeing Van and I together at the bar pushed him over the edge. It all makes perfect sense now.
How do I keep getting myself into these positions with arrogant men? It’s like déjà vu, except Jesse isn’t even close to as powerful as Owen Jenkins. Good thing I’ve learned a few tricks from attracting men who are assholes. New goal; make Owen as uncomfortable as I can before I leave. At least I don’t have to stress anymore about my future. Now my decision is more than clear. I’ll be on my way to Kansas with Van in three short weeks. Maybe I’ll add the tune Take This Job and Shove It onto my iPod.
Now that I have a plan I need to find the means to execute it. Thanks for the lesson Owen.
I peek around the corner and gaze upon the desolate gray walls. The musty fragrance of mold and mildew greet me as I step inside. Ah, just as glamorous as I envisioned. Three other new hires sort packages onto carts while a woman passes out floor assignments for deliveries.
“Hi, you must be Alexis. I’m Tara, and I run the mailroom.” She runs her hand through her sleek black hair streaked with red highlights.
I lift my head, stand with my shoulders back, and smile. “Please call me Lexie. I’m ready to learn the ropes.”
Tara leafs through her paperwork. “It’s pretty simple; just deliver the letters and packages to the specified floors and offices. We meet here at eight a.m., take a lunch at noon, and leave at four p.m.”
“Sounds perfect.” I walk over to the other new hires and get to work.
Wow, lunch time already. Time flies in the mailroom, at least there’s one perk. I relay the tale of my short lived advertising career to Jane, Lisa, and Doug, my mailroom colleagues, over a salad and water. Yes! They agree to let me deliver all of Owen’s mail to his office. Good! The son of a bitch can see exactly what he can never have.
Day two of my new career in the mailroom! I tug at my grey pencil skirt and unbutton the top three buttons of my white blouse, exposing a tight gray camisole. Hmm, it’s much shorter than I remember. My curls hang down, gently brushing over my slightly exposed cleavage. No need to look professional anymore; Tara’s not that strict in the mailroom.
Oh, two packages waiting to be delivered to Owen Jenkins. Well, I’ll make sure they get to his office.
“Wow, you look hot. The mailroom must be hopping.” Simone’s eyes travel from my black heels to my crystal headband. “A few of us are going out again this Friday night. You in?”
“Give me a call and we’ll make some plans.” I flash a quick grin trying not to lose focus.
I scoot my cart past her and wheel it into Owen’s office. My
black stilettos click against the hardwood floor. He swivels his chair around as I enter. His jaw drops and his eyes just about pop out of his head as he looks me up and down.
“Hello, Alexis. You look splendid this morning.” He runs his finger along his lips.
“Thanks.” I turn away from him and bend over at the waist to retrieve his two packages. I slide them onto his desk and take hold of my cart, pushing it forward.
“I may have made a mistake by sending you to the mailroom.”
“Oh, you definitely made a mistake.” I wiggle my hips as I exit the office.
Day three in my new career in the mailroom. Ah, a short, fitted tank dress, with tights and boots is a splendid ensemble. Only two letters and a small package for Owen today; no need to fill the cart. I step into his office and drop the envelopes on his desk and the package on his chair.
“Alexis, nice to see you again.”
“Uh huh. See you later.” What a pig! Owen’s eyes are on my ass as I walk out the door. Doesn’t he realize I can see his reflection in the glass door? Someone’s not as smart as they think.
No more excitement for today. Time for lunch. I step into the hallway. Crap! Owen is standing by the elevator. My eyes widen as he walks toward me.
“Alexis, would you care to join me for lunch?” He raises his eyebrow.
“I have plans.” I walk past Owen and entwine my arm with the first male colleague I see, Doug.
Is it wrong to use Doug to make Owen jealous? Since Doug doesn’t mind I guess it’s ok. Ah, my plan is working perfectly. Men like Owen can’t handle rejection. It’s all about the game with them, and I’ve become an excellent player. Owen deserves it! I’m sure I’m not the first or last girl who has to put up with his crap.
Today I pull out the big guns; my red, strapless dress paired with high heeled boots and my diamond earrings from Van. Thin tendrils tickle my neck as I pull my hair back into a sexy ponytail. Definitely not appropriate attire for a business meeting, but hey, I look fine for the mailroom. Oh, four packages for Owen this morning. God, he’s so pathetic he’s probably sending them to himself.
