Office Perks

by S. L. Siwik

  Seeing him talking to Kendall in such a calm, sweet manner is making me want to have this man’s children…now. My uterus is glowing.

  I fight against the growing need inside as I suggest Andrea take her downstairs. Turning around I say to Blaze, “I’m sorry this weekend has turned into such a mess.”

  “Don’t be,” he replies casually while reeling in the fishing rods. I am drawn to the sight of his arm muscles rippling while he pulls the rods into the boat. “All I wanted this weekend was for you to come out with me, and that’s exactly what I got.”

  I bite my lower lip. “You got me to come alright.”

  He raises his brows suggestively. “Plenty more where that came from.”

  I turn around and walk away as the heat begins to pool in my lower belly.

  ***

  After getting Kendall cleaned and dressed, we sail back. Kendall is still feeling guilty and sick, so she doesn’t want to eat at a restaurant. Blaze throws yet again another curveball, by asking what Kendall’s favorite place to eat is. After she tells him, he pulls the limo up to the drive-through window for her. The worker almost faints when Blaze rolls down the window, his beautiful profile coming into view. After receiving the food, and thanking the woman for her non-stop praise at just how handsome he looked on his last magazine cover, we finally drive off. Kendall wolfs down her fries, shake, and burger. When she makes a mess, she cringes, offering a, “Sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” he replies, smiling. “The car needed to be detailed anyway.”

  I hear Andrea laugh as I try to hide my embarrassment. “Poor Blaze, a week with you and everything will need to be cleaned.”

  He smiles thoughtfully. “It was time,” is all he replies before biting into his burger.

  As I watch him, he offers me a wink. I’ve forgotten all about my food. Suddenly, I’m hungry for something else.

  We drop Andrea off and after Daniel helps her up with her luggage, she tells me she’ll be over this week. I nod, kissing her goodbye, thanking her for everything.

  She glances up at Blaze. “You know how to reach me.”

  He nods solemnly. “Will do.”

  After kissing Kendall, Andrea’s gone, and the car is quietly making its way through the city once again.

  ***

  Blaze walks me to the front door of the apartment, his hand on my lower back the entire walk up. Trying to open the door, my nerves are going haywire, and I drop the keys twice. Twice he picks them up for me, giving me a sultry smile. It’s only making my nerves worse.

  Finally, I open the door, standing there nervously. Kendall lightens the tension by hugging him. “Bye, Blaze,” she whispers as she hugs him tightly. “I had a great time. It was awesome meeting you.”

  He hugs her back just as tightly. “So did I. I’m also a little disappointed that your Aunt Vikkie kept you from me all these years. I feel like I’ve missed out on a great buddy.”

  My mouth drops at his audacity at the same time my knees start to shake and my insides turn to jelly. I cannot wrap my head around how amazing he is with Kendall. How the hell am I ever going to find another man to top that performance?

  She smiles. “I don’t think Aunt Vikkie wanted us to meet.”

  “Well, I think she needs to learn how to share. Don’t you?”

  Jesus Christ, at this point she’ll want to move in with him next week.

  I roll my eyes at him, my hand on my hip. “Aren’t we laying it on a little thick?”

  His smoldering gaze meets mine and steals the breath right out of my lungs. “Not thick enough.”

  “Feeling saucy tonight, are we?” I reply, trying not to smile.

  He bites his lower lip suggestively. “I’m feeling something tonight.”

  My mouth drops at his words. He can’t speak like that around Kendall! My brain screams.

  “Kendall, sweetheart, please go get ready for bed while I say goodbye to Blaze,” I say in the calmest voice I can muster.

  “You’re gonna get it now,” she whispers to him as she walks into the apartment with the duffel bag. He smiles back widely, not rattled by her statement. It’s as if the bastard planned this.

  As soon as she was inside, I closed the door. Glaring daggers at him, I snap, “You cannot speak like that around her! She is a teenager; eventually, she will understand those innuendos.”

  “And that’s a problem?” he asks coolly.

  “Yes! That’s a big problem! This situation is already confusing enough. Your behavior this weekend is confusing…”

  Blaze cuts me off, his brows to his hairline. “My behavior was confusing?”

  With my hand still on my hip, I drawl sarcastically, “Did I stutter?”

  He smiles widely. “Now who’s the one being saucy?” I try not to smile in response. If I do, I’ll lose the battle.

  “It’s my apartment. I can be as saucy as I want.”

  “Technically, this is the hallway.” His voice drops lower as his eyes pull me in. “I don’t think you own the hallway.” The tip of his tongue runs along his lower lip. “Do you?”

  I press my lips firmly together before casually stating, “Good night, Mr. Townsend. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

  His eyes narrow, displeased with my words. Did he expect an invite? No, this situation has gotten so far out of control that I need to reign it back in.

  He slips his wallet out of his back pocket and takes out a wad of cash holding it out for me. “Two thousand as we agreed upon. It’s all there. Count it if you’d like.”

  I blush slightly. “I believe you. I told you I was going to pay for the clothes, and after this weekend what detailing everything is going to cost you…”

  “And I told you that the clothes were my treat, and I asked for this weekend. Our agreement was for the pleasure of your company, once a week. It had nothing to do with weekend outings.” He smiles hungrily. “I wanted you to give me that regardless of our arrangement, however.” I nod, placing the cash inside my purse. I haven’t seen that much money in my hands in a long time.

  His heated eyes sear into mine holding me his prisoner. “I’m giving you this money now and not on Monday, because I wanted you to know that I’m a man of my word. I always follow through.”

  “I understand,” I reply, “And thank you for this. Thank you for everything.”

  “Good night, Miss Wright.” He takes his index and middle finger into his mouth sucking on them slowly. A deep, loud groan erupts from his lips as he pulls his digits back out. At the sound, a shiver rips through me so wildly, there is no way he couldn’t have seen it. By the smug grin on his face, it’s obvious he didn’t miss it. “Sweet dreams.”

  I stand there as he saunters away, watching that incredible back side covered in its khaki pants walk away. The view is spectacular, but that’s not the only reason I’m still standing there. I’m not sure my legs are capable of working right now, and I do not want to fall over when he can see.

  When he’s gone, I walk inside, closing the door. My stomach is in knots as I press my forehead to the door. I want to run after him, tell him to come back. I want to tell him how much I need him, and that he needs to stay. I hit my forehead lightly against the door as I remind myself it’s better this way…for everyone.

  After tucking Kendall into bed, I lay in my own, staring up at the ceiling. I follow the cracks in the plaster, because my eyes refuse to shut. A deep hunger took root in the car and won’t go away now. The bed, for the first time, feels too large. Too empty. After following all the cracks and staring at the blemishes for hours, I realize I’m not going to sleep. Not anytime soon.

  Dragging myself out of bed, I walk into the kitchen and pour myself a cup of herbal tea. Tapping my fingers against the counter, I glance up at the cabinet in front of me.

  “Evalyn, I could use some help right about now,” I whisper into the air. “You were the one I always came to for advice.”

  Opening the cabinet, I found Evalyn’s recipe box. Taking it
out, I thumb through the index cards until my fingers pause on one. Picking it out of the box, I read the label and smile.

  Hearing the door open, I glance at my watch. She’s right on time. I try to hide my smile. At least I have this, Victoria’s punctuality to feed my obsession for her.

  “Good morning, Mr. Townsend.”

  I glance up from my cup of coffee. “Good morning, Miss Wright.”

  “Did you have a pleasant weekend?” she asks, her red lips smiling. So, she’s saucy again this morning. Very well, I’ll play along.

  “I had an incredible weekend. And you?” I ask from behind my desk.

  Her blue eyes sparkle as she nods. “I had a very nice weekend. Thank you for asking.”

  She turns and walks out of my office towards her desk and just like every morning when she comes in my office to greet me, I hate to watch her go, but love to watch her leave. She fills out a pencil skirt in a way that should be illegal. My fingers twitch to grab her. I haven’t held her in too many hours. I slept horribly last night, tossing and turning in need of her.

  Miss Wright sits down in her chair just outside my office, her breasts heaving as she takes a deep breath. “Mr. Hurley has canceled his appointment again for today, sir. It will be rescheduled for next Friday,” she calls to me from the intercom.

  “Am I going to him or is he coming to me?” I ask.

  “He is coming to you, sir.”

  I frown. He will definitely try to steal Victoria again just to piss me off. I can’t even bother trying to steal his office ladies. After working for my step-brother one day, they all seem to join ‘the Hurley cult.’ The women are blindingly loyal over at his office.

  “Thank you for the reminder, Miss Wright.”

  I take another sip of coffee from my favorite traveling mug before settling into work. Glancing up, I take another peak at her. You need to focus, Blaze. You can’t stare at her all day long. I close my eyes to try and get a grip on myself.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Townsend, but I forgot to give these to you.” I glance up from behind my coffee cup’s steam to see Miss Wright placing a tray of something on my desk as I try not to stare at her breasts. I do not succeed.

  She offers me a sultry smile. “Just a thank you for being an excellent boss. I’m proud to say that I’ve worked here five years. Happy Anniversary.”

  I glance down at the plate. Carrot cake muffins, my favorite. My mouth is already watering just looking at them.

  “Thank you. But, this won’t help in pay negotiations, Miss Wright,” I say teasingly.

  Her eyes sparkle the most hypnotizing blue I have ever seen. “Oh? Is that today?” She winks. “Enjoy the cupcakes, Mr. Townsend. I know they’re Mr. Hurley’s favorite as well.”

  I don’t like the way she has said my brother’s name with such innuendo. Jealousy rises up in me viciously.

  “Well, if my brother wants a cupcake, there’s a bakery on the corner,” I reply.

  “Are you worried he’s going to try and offer me a job again?” she asks before leaning over my desk. “I wouldn’t be too concerned about it, sir. I enjoy the office perks here too much.” She offers me a sultry smile, and I realize I have forgotten how to breathe.

  With a sashay of her hips, she walks back to her desk as I let out all the air in my lungs. That woman needs to be spanked…badly.

  ***

  It was nearing time for Victoria’s review, and I wasn’t sure what to do. If I give her whatever raise she asks for, she’ll likely end this between us. I’m not ready for this to be done, not by a long shot. The phone rings and I hear Victoria answer it. A moment later, she buzzes into the room.

  “Sir, your brother is on the phone. He says it’s urgent.”

  “Thank you, Victoria.”

  I pick up the phone and press line one. “Hello, Ben.”

  “Hey.” I’m instantly on edge from my brother not using his normal term of endearment, asshole, when addressing me.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask.

  “I need you to go on vacation tonight for at least a week, maybe two weeks,” he replied. “Make sure that it appears legit and that it’s for business.”

  “What’s going on? Are you in trouble?” I ask.

  “Don’t ask questions, because I don’t want to lie to you. Just do it. See you when you get back.”

  The phone line goes dead. I hang up the phone and call for Victoria to come into the room.

  “Yes, sir?” she asks.

  “Something is going on with my brother, and I don’t know what. He just told me that I had to leave the country for one or two weeks. It must appear like it’s for a legitimate business deal. What do we have going right now that could work?”

  “Let me look,” Victoria replies before running back into her office. I follow her in as she types furiously on the keyboard and clicks the mouse a few times.

  “How about that vineyard that you were looking at in Italy?” she suggests. “Your excuse for going now could be that its price just dropped today.”

  “Excellent. Call the realtor and make an appointment. Then I need you to book me a flight and hotel reservations,” I say.

  “Of course, sir.” Victoria begins typing immediately.

  “I’ll be back in an hour.” I say before turning and walking out.

  When Blaze returns an hour later, the realtor had been called, the flight and hotel booked. I was trying to handle how to deal with him being away for possibly two weeks. This would be the first time that he had ever been away that long. I felt ridiculous, pining over a man. But, we had just been together intimately after so many years of…nothing. What would happen when he comes back? Would he still be interested? Would he find some Italian beauty that would make him forget all about me?

  Blaze walks over to my desk and drops down an envelope with hundred dollar bills.

  “Four thousand dollars. That will cover the next two weeks. We’ll have to do your review when I return.”

  I glance down at the money in shock. “Of course, sir.”

  He walks around the desk and caresses my cheek. “Remember our deal. You will be with no one else while I’m gone.”

  I nod. “Why are you paying me even though you’ll be gone?” I ask.

  His lips twitch into a smile. “Neither one of us will be having sex for at least a week, if not two. I expect an enthusiastic welcome home.” He yanks my pony tail, forcing my face forward. Leaning down, he drowns me in a kiss. Holy hell, my toes just curled…from a kiss. “I’ll be thinking about that welcome home every day.”

  I release a shaky breath. “It’ll be one to remember.”

  He smiles brightly with my red lipstick smeared across his face. “I can’t wait.”

  I lean up and wipe it off of his face with my thumb.

  “Do I look presentable now?” he asks.

  “You look edible,” I reply.

  He glances at me with hooded lids. “When’s my flight?”

  “You have to leave now, sir. It’s in two hours,” I reply. I should have booked him for a later flight.

  He sighs as he runs his thumb over my lips. “Soon.”

  He turns and walks out of the office. I glance around and realize that this space has never felt so large or empty before.

  ***

  With the money I now have, six thousand dollars in cash, I am able to do things. Those credit cards who call me every day for non-payment are now paid off. I sleep soundly the first night that they stop calling me. The 2 Hot 4 U concert that Kendall has been dying to go see? Her face lights up like a Christmas tree when I hand her the ticket. When she asks me how I could afford to buy it, I lie and say that my review and bonus has more money coming in. The lie slips easily off my tongue. She doesn’t need to know the truth, though. I’ll take that to my grave.

  The extra money I sock away for Kendall’s upcoming birthday. I want to do something special. Now I’ll have the money for it. People may think what I’ve done is disgusting; selling my body to the
man I love for money. But, have those people ever had sleepless nights because they couldn’t pay their bills? What about when they finally were able to pay them? The relief is overwhelming. It makes what I’ve done very easy to stomach. Besides, I’ve done far, far worse for six thousand dollars.

  Blaze is gone for two weeks, and we speak very little in between. The time seems like an eternity. I can’t wait for him to return. All I know is that he’s bought a new Italian vineyard to produce wine, and that he wishes I could have come with him. That makes two of us. I’ve never been to Italy before. But, more than the wish for the vacation, I wish for the man to return. I need him home…where he belongs. On that Monday, when I walk in to the office, Blaze is sitting in his office, looking exhausted.