Her Improper Affair

by Shea Mcmaster

  “Still, a warm shower will help.”

  His palm cupped her cheek and she turned into it. “Sounds good.”

  Indeed, his sponge bath notwithstanding, she felt a little sticky from the sweat they’d worked up.

  Leveraging himself up onto his hands, Ozzie reached for hers and pulled her to a sitting position as he sat back on his heels. “Come, my lady, let me tend to your needs.”

  Hand in hand they wandered into the bathroom. He started the shower while she dug out a packaged toothbrush from a drawer and reached for hers.

  Teeth brushed and shower steaming, he held the door for her and ushered her into the double wide enclosure, just right for two.

  Birdie reached for her shower gel, but Ozzie beat her to it. He nudged her under the spray and poured the citrus scented gel into his hand.

  Having never showered with a man before, Birdie let him rub her down with the foam, sharing the bubbles with him. The decadence of him massaging shampoo into her hair, then carefully rinsing it out, almost made her swoon. Lord, she was falling hard for him with each caring touch he treated her body to. He was especially gentle between her legs although his erection pressed against her backside. An advantage she pressed when she rolled her hips against him.

  “Easy, love. None of that here. First of all, you’re sore, I can tell by how you move. Second of all, no condom here.”

  She turned in his arms and rubbed her lower half against him. “But there’s something I can do for you.” With a shy smile, she slid to her knees and took him in hand.

  “Courtney, there’s no nee—”

  Wrapping her lips around his crown effectively shut off his protest.

  “Lord.” His breath shuddered out of his body with each stroke of her tongue.

  No, she had no experience here, other than what she’d read or seen during the one porno she’d watched years ago. But she was already determined to do her best. She owed him at least one after their night in San Francisco.

  “Courtney, love.” His fingers slipped through her wet hair, his hands gentle as he gripped her head. “Really, I don’t expect—”

  With both hands wrapped around him, she lowered her head, sucking him into her mouth.

  “Oh, bloody hell, that feels good, love.”

  She looked up at him, only the tip still in her mouth, and found him staring down, his eyes burning with what she now recognized as lust. No doubt, he wanted her, even as awkward as she was. Gaze glued to his, she moved forward, taking him deep, deep, her lips stretched as wide as she could go, doing her best to keep from scraping him with her teeth, until he touched the back of her throat and her gag reflex kicked in.

  She pulled back abruptly, eyes watering as he reached for her arms.

  “Love, come here.”

  She shook her head and leaned forward again.

  Ozzie groaned. “Easy, love, don’t go so far you choke. We can work on that later. Seriously, you don’t have to—”

  With one hand on his shaft, she wrapped the other around his balls, cutting him off once again. She marveled at how close they’d drawn up to his body. She hadn’t expected that.

  “Unless you want a mouthful,” he said sounding as if he’d just run a marathon, “back off, love. I can’t stop it—”

  She bent forward again and sucked as if he were a popsicle. A hot, hard popsicle covered by the silkiest skin she’d ever felt. The hand gripping him moved with her head as she bobbed up and down his length. In her other hand his balls tightened more as she gently massaged them until he threw back his head with a roar. In her mouth he grew a little more and then hot streams of thick liquid hit the back of her throat.

  Acting on instinct, she pulled off while trying to cover her gagging. She kept her hand pumping and he kept coming, his seed landing on her lips, chin, and finally her chest. His hand covered hers, showing her how to stroke, how to squeeze, until the last drop beaded on the tip.

  Ozzie leaned over her, bracing himself with one hand on the tile wall behind her.

  Birdie gently kissed the tip of his cock, and it twitched in her hand. He opened his eyes and gazed down at her kneeling at his feet, looking up at him, while little spits of water dripped from his shoulders onto her face.

  “Now there’s a sight to inspire a man,” he said softly. One hand still braced on the wall, he reached down with the other. She placed her hand in his and he helped her to her feet where he hauled her into his arms, hugging her close. Arms wrapped around his waist, she clung to him, the spray now full on her head and back.

  Once his heartbeat returned to normal, Ozzie lifted her face. She could feel the remains of his ejaculate on her skin. He rubbed a thumb over one spot on her chin, his eyes warm and affectionate. “You need another washing.”

  After dinner and cuddling on the sofa through a movie, Ozzie dressed in his Ascot duds and reluctantly left. She had to concede he had a point, he needed a business suit and she needed to heal. Didn’t make it any easier to kiss him good night.

  But at least they had plans for the following night. She smiled to herself and packed her tote with workout clothes and an outfit for work. In case she went home with him and stayed the night. And while she was at it, she’d stop by the chemist and stock up on condoms.

  Chapter 23

  Birdie bounced into the office the next day prepared to have the best work day of her life. The rain was light with hints of the sun breaking through on her walk over. Her feet felt light as air, and she nearly floated over the puddles and around the people filling the sidewalk. She even managed to arrive ten minutes early.

  In the filing room, she leaned her umbrella against the desk and tossed her purse and tote into the drawer before looking at her desktop. There was a note in a little envelope centered on the blotter. She opened the sealed note and read the words in her mother’s handwriting. She’d listed the boxes of chocolates she’d sent and who they were for. A two pound box to share with Birdie’s current department, a one pound box for Dennis, and one for Mrs. Cuthbert. Last, one filled with only soft milk chocolates for Birdie.

  So she had the note, but where were the chocolates?

  Puzzled, she wandered toward Mrs. Smith’s office to ask. First of all, why would anyone open a box addressed to her, and then what would they do with the chocolate? Passing the coffee corner, she saw a sight that made her stop. Two boxes sat on the counter. Chocolates. She lifted a lid of one and saw what looked like the combined remains jumbled together. The other box looked about the same. So where were the other two?

  “Courtney. There you are. I must say the treat from your mum was quite well received.”

  She turned to see Mrs. Smith approach with a coffee mug in hand.

  “Are you feeling better? Mrs. Cuthbert called down yesterday morning saying you were under the weather.” The supervisor’s eyes zeroed in on the fading welt on Birdie’s neck. “Oh dear. That doesn’t look like a love bite?”

  Birdie swallowed. “Bee sting. Sunday at Ascot.”

  Mrs. Smith’s smirk turned to shock. “Oh dear. Tell me you aren’t allergic? That looks like it still hurts.”

  “It’s not so bad now. No, I’m not allergic. I also had a reaction to something else.” She smiled wryly. “Sunday wasn’t my day, and between the doctor and my grandmother I got grounded yesterday.”

  “With good reason.” Mrs. Smith nodded. “Well, the package from your mother arrived yesterday and before I could stop her, one of the clerks opened your mail. Since you’d said your parents were sending chocolate to share…” Suddenly she didn’t look so sure and glanced at the note Birdie still clutched. “Oh, dear, did we err?”

  Looking at the ground, Birdie took a moment to think. Yeah, she was bummed her surprise had been stolen, or rather over anticipated. But the damage was done now. Maybe Mom could send another package. Only this time directing it to the flat or Dad’s office with clear instructions to be opened only by Birdie.

  “
I’m guessing it was addressed to the department,” Birdie said.

  “It was, but it did have your name on it.” Mrs. Smith frowned. “It seems we took advantage?”

  What a dilemma. Complain about it and come off looking like Daddy’s privileged spoiled princess, or let it ride in the name of peace? She shrugged. “I’d hoped to spread it out a little, but what’s done is done.” She crumpled the note and tossed it into the nearby trash can. Forcing a cheerful smile, she did her best to sound nonchalant. “I’m glad it was enjoyed.” Turning to the counter, she noted the empty coffee carafe. “Looks like we get to make the first pot of the day.”

  It was silly, really, considering how wonderfully yesterday had turned out, but the chocolate debacle cast a shadow over her day. It took everything inside to hide her disappointment behind a bright smile, especially when Sally, the senior clerk who’d taken it upon herself to plunder Birdie’s treasure, made a half-hearted apology. Clearly forced into it by Mrs. Smith, Sally barely made a show of pretending to be repentant, and Birdie took it a face value. From Birdie’s first day in the department, Sally had made it clear she wasn’t impressed with Birdie’s family connection or education.

  When Mrs. Smith told her later in the day she was being moved across the department to learn data input of the invoices and manifests, it gave her a slight lift. She’d be away from the filing clerks and working with people who might have more respect for her abilities.

  At least she had tonight with Ozzie to look forward to. A training session, hopefully followed by more love making. Yeah, that new activity had certainly caught her attention. Just thinking of Ozzie’s muscles, lips, hands, and the way he used all his intriguing body parts definitely lifted Birdie’s mood as she finished her stack of filing. Since she had five minutes left and had cleared her desk, she texted her mom.

  Chocolates received and enjoyed.

  Mom’s reply was nearly immediate: Lovely to hear. But Mrs. C. didn’t say a word when Dad called in this afternoon. Did she not get her box?

  Damn. The simple message hadn’t done the job. No, sorry. Box was intercepted while I was out and Accounting reaped the benefit of your generosity. They’re still moaning over the deliciousness.

  Mom pinged back: Next time I’ll ship to the flat or Dad’s office. How are you feeling? Better?

  This she could answer truthfully. Yes. Much better. Ozzie makes a good babysitter. He’s promised to investigate the suspected culprit.

  Mom apparently was glued to her phone: I can’t believe you got roofied. It took some fast talking from your Gran and Dad to keep me from flying back immediately. I wanted to be home with you yesterday.

  Sending silent thanks to her father and grandmother, she typed out a reply: I wasn’t hit so bad. Recovery was fast. The bee did more damage. Enjoy your trip and stop worrying about me. I have an army of support here. And to forestall more texts: Time to run. Learning a little self-defense tonight.

  Mom: Excellent. Lovies from Dad and me.

  Birdie sent back a heart and stuffed her phone into her purse.

  Cheerful mood back in place, she arrived outside Ozzie’s office with a smile on her face for Mrs. Cuthbert. At a pang of disappointment for not having Mrs. C’s treat, she smiled brighter to cover.

  “There’s the lovely girl.” Mrs. Cuthbert smiled at Birdie. “Looks like you’re recovering from your unfortunate experience at Ascot. Did you enjoy Saturday? I hope Sunday didn’t put you off the races.”

  “Oh I had a great time. Very fun. I even won fifty pounds on Saturday.” Ozzie’s door opened, and she flashed him a smile too. “Come to think of it, wonder if I won anything on Sunday?”

  “You did,” he said, apparently back to his aloof demeanor. Not even a twinkle in his eye indicated how he felt about seeing her. “I asked Hammond to collect your winnings. We still need to figure out how much belongs to Mrs. Robinson, but you did well from what Hammond said.”

  “Awesome!” She restrained her glee to a smile instead of bouncing and clapping like she wanted to.

  From behind her the sound of a woman’s heels clicked on the marble flooring. She glanced over her shoulder to see Mrs. Smith approaching with a piece of paper in her hand and a worried look in her eye. When she noticed Birdie, Mrs. Smith slowed to a halt in front of Mrs. Cuthbert’s desk and shot a glance at Ozzie.

  “I thought you’d gone home, Miss Robinson,” Mrs. Smith said.

  “I’m heading out in a few.”

  Mrs. C jumped in, fortunately. “Is there something I may help you with, Mrs. Smith?”

  “I was wondering if I could take a moment of Mr. Attenborough’s time.” She looked at him directly.

  Ozzie nodded. “If you don’t mind waiting a moment, Mrs. Smith, I need to have a word with Miss Robinson.”

  “Oh, no. I’m in no hurry.” Her smile looked a little forced, but Birdie wasn’t going to worry about it.

  “Courtney?”

  She turned to see him holding out a hand indicating he wanted to speak to her in his office. Okay. She gave him a brilliant smile and sauntered through his door, which he closed after following her. In anticipation, she turned only to watch him walk right past her, headed for his desk. Not what she expected.

  “What’s up, Ozzie?”

  “In the office, please call me Mr. Attenborough,” he said curtly, surprising her.

  That was annoying, but technically he was correct. “All right, Mr. Attenborough.”

  He held a hand to his chest, holding his tie back as he shot her a sharp glance while settling into his chair. “Have a seat.” A wave of his hand indicated he meant one of the chairs across the desk from him.

  Heart sinking, Birdie sat as he ordered. What the hell was going on?

  Once she was sitting, he cleared his throat, but he gazed at her steadily, his eyes blank of any emotion.

  “I’m afraid I have to cancel our plans for tonight. Something’s come up.”

  “All right. Anything I can help with?” From his manner, she didn’t like what she was feeling, but maybe it had nothing to do with her.

  “No. I’m sorry, but I can’t discuss it.” Gaze still steady on hers, he didn’t elaborate.

  “Well then. Okay. I’ll figure out something…” She bit her lip. This was not how she expected to end her day. The night suddenly stretched before her long and empty. A hurt like she’d never experienced pierced her chest. She needed to get out of there. Needed air. She pushed to her feet. “Guess I’ll see you later, then.”

  Desperate to get home and try to figure out what had just happened, she spun on her heel and headed for the door. She wasn’t going to beg. If he didn’t want to talk to her, then fine. If he was having regrets about the day before, then he could come find her to tell her. Obviously he wasn’t prepared to do that in the office.

  “Wait a minute, Courtney. I’m not done.”

  She froze, but didn’t turn around.

  “Your father sent out a company-wide memo today, regarding the handling of mail. Do you know anything about it?”

  Oh great. Mom had told Dad, and he’d jumped right in with a memo. “What did it say?”

  “It was along the lines of personal mail not being opened by anyone other than the addressee. It went to all the managers.”

  Birdie nodded, her head bent forward. “Yeah. There was a mistake made yesterday. No big deal. However, he shouldn’t have done that.” Because now what had merely been uncomfortable with one senior clerk was now going to be a near war. Probably what Mrs. Smith was there to discuss with Ozzie. Mr. Attenborough.

  “Explain it to me, please.” His tone was crisp and commanding, and it rubbed her exactly the wrong way. Be cool, she reminded herself.

  Refusing to face him, she lifted her head and stared at his closed door. In the briefest of terms she gave him the facts.

  “I see. Well, then the memo makes sense, however ill-advised. I’m sorry it happened. I’ve never heard of anyth
ing like that taking place here before. Nevertheless, you should have told me.”

  Birdie turned then to look at him. His gaze was still stern, but there was a flicker of something softer, more human in his eyes.

  “When was I supposed to run up here and tattle?” Hoping to calm her pounding heart, she took in a lungful of air and slowly blew it out. “Look, I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. Mom is sending more chocolate for Dennis and Mrs. C. They’ll get the treats I wanted them to have. This time she’ll either address it to this office or she’ll send it to the flat. No more personal mail for me, no more issue. It’s a done deal, and I’m of the opinion you should let it drop.” She held up her hands, spread open in a plea for peace. “To make a big deal out of it now will only make my life more difficult. I already have one senior clerk directing attitude toward me, based mostly on what she believes my situation is. I haven’t discussed it with her, or anyone, in keeping with the game plan of hoping I’ll just slide into the corporate structure.”

  Ozzie continued to stare at her. “So you’ve encountered some hostility.”

  “Not unexpected, and not anything I can’t handle. Besides, tomorrow I move to another section of the department, and I won’t be near the filing clerks anymore. No big deal. It’s done and over. Let it lie.”

  The cold stare continued, but now it was beginning to unnerve her. She blew out a big breath. “Just leave it. Mr. Attenborough. I’ll fight my own battles, thank you very much.” For good measure she gave him a hard glare then spun on her heel once more. “Catch you later. Mr. Attenborough.”

  “Courtney.”

  Finally he spoke with a little emotion, but what it meant she had no idea. Right now the blood was pounding in her ears, and she just wanted to get out of there before she did something stupid like burst into tears.

  She reached for the doorknob, but his hand slapped against the door, holding it closed. His arm was close to her ear, and she felt his body heat all along her back. More than anything she wanted to lean against him and draw in his heat and the comfort she knew he could provide.