by L. J. Hamlin
The Christmas Office Party
By L.J. Hamlin
Published by JMS Books LLC
Visit jms-books.com for more information.
Copyright 2019 L.J. Hamlin
ISBN 9781646561698
Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com
Image(s) used under a Standard Royalty-Free License.
All rights reserved.
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Published in the United States of America.
* * * *
The Christmas Office Party
By L.J. Hamlin
Jake Holt is used to acting a certain way at work. He’s a manager at the call center, which means he has to stay professional while in the office. Today is the office’s Christmas party, and some of the other managers seem to have forgotten that come Monday, they need to still be respected.
One of the head managers, Chris, has passed out under the snack table. His feet are sticking out, the tablecloth hiding the rest of him and the flashing Santa hat he’d been wearing. Jake knows it’s Chris, though. He’d watched as his normally sensible coworker crawled under the table and then passed out.
Seems a few too many eggnogs can have a straight-laced guy making a fool of himself. Jake doesn’t want to do that. If he’s going to get wasted, no one from work is going to be around to see it. Lots of people have been giggling as they take pictures of Chris under the table.
He wouldn’t be surprised if Chris found a copy of the photo on his office door on Monday morning.
Jake has no intention of sharing Chris’s fate. There are things on his mind that he doesn’t want to come bursting out. Liquor can make his tongue looser, and that could be disastrous.
It wouldn’t be such a problem if it weren’t for Liam. Jake is his boss and has always had a little bit of a thing for Liam. He’s cute, blond, and blue-eyed. He looks a little young for twenty-five. Jake has heard the twink comments around the office, but he likes Liam. He’s beautiful.
Liam doesn’t seem to care about the comments. He’s confident and at ease with who he is. Jake envies him that sometimes. He wishes he were more confident at work. He’s not really insecure, but he could be more at peace with himself.
Jake has managed to keep his crush in check and things professional for the past year, even though he’s had some very naughty thoughts about Liam, especially in bed at night and in the shower a few times. But things have changed this last week. The Friday before this one, Jake was at one of his regular clubs. The Thorn is an upscale BDSM club. He doesn’t make his preferences common knowledge, and so as far as he knows, no one from work knows he’s a Dom. Liam might know now, though, because Liam was at The Thorn last Friday. Liam had definitely seen him, as well. They’d made eye contact before Liam’s friend had dragged him off to another part of the club.
Of course being at the club doesn’t mean that Jake lives the lifestyle, and he can still pretend he doesn’t, but he doesn’t think Liam will believe him if he says he was just at the club with friends.
Jake’s been waiting for Liam to say something about it all week. Liam hasn’t said a thing, though. He’s been polite as always, maybe a little distant.
Liam had been dressed in leather pants at the club, his slim chest bare and a studded collar around his throat. Liam had looked like he belonged in the club, had looked like a sub. Jake isn’t worried that Liam will think he’s some kind of pervert.
But he is worried. As far as he’s aware, no one from work knew he was into BDSM. Liam could have told them. Jake’s been paranoid all week. Every time he sees someone whispering, he thinks it’s about him. He should talk to Liam, but he’s afraid of how that’ll go.
Jake doesn’t think Liam’s the type of person to start rumors or gossip, but then, you never know.
The last thing he wants is to end up making a fool of himself, like Chris. He needs to be able to work with these people after the Christmas holiday is over. Jake doesn’t want to be known as some kind of kinky pervert. He knows being into BDSM, being a Dom, doesn’t make him a pervert; plenty of other people think differently, though, and they could think he’s a deviant.
Jake looks around the room and spots Liam standing with a few of the other people Jake oversees. As Jake watches, Liam looks up and over, and their eyes meet. Liam smiles faintly, and Jake can’t help smiling back.
He regrets smiling when Liam says something to the two women he’s with and starts walking towards Jake. Jake’s trying to think of a way to get out of this situation before it happens. Unfortunately, no escape plan comes to him before Liam’s right in front of him.
“Hi,” Liam says, running a hand through his hair. He really is very cute.
“Hi.” Jake doesn’t think he’s ever sounded more awkward. He’s used to being in control, commanding, both in his professional and private life. But he doesn’t feel either of those things right now. He feels like a schoolboy whose been caught doing something he shouldn’t. He’s waiting to be told off.
“So that was really you at The Thorn last Friday? It was my first night there. I usually go to the Red Curtain, but my friends had heard The Thorn was a fun place to spend a Friday night.” Liam says it casually, clearly not shy or embarrassed.
It’s not like they’ve never talked before. They’ve known each other for a year, but Jake never imagined talking to Liam about what their preferred BDSM clubs were, so he’s feeling tongue-tied.
“Yeah, that was me,” Jake says just as the receptionist, Katie, almost knocks over the Christmas tree. Somehow it stays up, only losing a few decorations. Katie doesn’t seem to notice, leaving the baubles on the floor as she goes to get another drink.
“You looked good,” Liam says, biting his lip, blushing slightly.
Jake thinks of how he looks in the office: shirt, tie, neat brown hair, glasses on. Friday night had meant contacts, leather pants, and a leather harness.
“Thank you. You looked great.” Jake looks around, hoping no one is paying them too much attention.
As far as Jake is aware, Liam is open about his sexuality. It’s not a secret he’s gay. Jake’s sexuality isn’t a secret exactly, but he’s pretty sure that not everyone he works with knows.
“Thanks. I had no idea, you know? That you were a Dom. But it makes sense, now that I’ve seen you in that environment. You’re very commanding, dominant without being bossy.” Liam glances around, like maybe he doesn’t want to be overheard either.
“I keep that kind of stuff out of work as much as I can, but it’s part of my personality, so I guess it shows through a little. I didn’t know you were a sub,” Jake says, loosening his tie just a little.
Liam smiles. “I’ve been going to clubs since I was too young to be in them.”
“Maybe the office Christmas party isn’t the place to be talking abou
t this,” Jake says, increasingly aware of all the people milling around.
“We could go to your office,” Liam suggests.
Jake looks at Liam, trying to read him. His body language isn’t too clear. He looks like he might be nervous. Jake doesn’t want to leave this if something is bothering Liam. He likes Liam. If Liam has something to say, Jake wants to give him the chance. But being alone with Liam sounds like a bad idea. People might talk, if they notice, but Jake can’t bring himself to say no. “Okay.”
Jake turns first and heads for his office. He’s aware of Liam following behind him. They reach Jake’s small office, and Liam closes the door behind him. As soon as the door is closed, the music from the Christmas party is muffled a little.
“I’m sorry I didn’t mention seeing you right away. I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable by bringing it up. But I had a feeling I was putting you on edge by not saying anything,” Liam says, leaning against the windowless door.
Jake is acutely aware of the fact that no one can see into his office with the door shut. If no one saw Jake walk in here with Liam, then no one knows they’re here. They’re alone. If no one notices they’re missing from the party, it’ll be like they never slipped off. Jake is very, very aware of that.
“I was a little worried. My friends know what I’m into, but I’ve not told anyone at work,” Jake admits.
“People at work don’t know I’m a sub, either. I didn’t tell them you’re a Dom. I figured that’s your business,” Liam says, crossing his arms over his chest, his shirt going taut over lean muscle, and Jake can’t help remembering what Liam had looked like shirtless.
“Thank you. I was worried. People talk, things get twisted. I’d like to keep my sex life separate from my work life.”
“I get that. I was hoping, though, that you didn’t want to keep everything at work separate from your sex life.” Liam sounds hopeful.
“Excuse me?” Jake thinks he must be hearing things wrong, or he’s somehow got the wrong end of the stick, because Liam can’t be saying what Jake thinks he is.
Liam shrugs. “I never said anything before for two reasons: I don’t get involved with people at work, and I thought if you knew what I was into you’d think I was a freak. Now I know otherwise. And it kind of feels like it was meant to be, seeing you at that club.”
“You like me?” Jake asks.
“I’ve been attracted to you for a while. Seeing that we’re more compatible than I thought made me think I should maybe make a move.” Liam smiles, but his eyes flick from Jake’s face to other points of the office and back again.
“I like you, Liam, but I’m your boss,” Jake replies.
“See, that’s why the timing is perfect. I’m leaving in the New Year, so in about a week, we’ll be having a little going away party. I said they could just say good-bye at the Christmas party if they thought I needed a going away, but a few people are insisting I need my own. So this is my last Christmas here,” Liam says in a rush.
“So I won’t be your boss for much longer?” Jake likes having power over the people he’s with. He likes to dominate, but he wouldn’t want to have an unfair amount of power over a partner. He doesn’t want to be the boss who takes advantage of his position over someone who works for him.
“Exactly. So I thought it was a good idea to let you know I was interested now,” Liam says shyly.
“You have a new job?” Jake asks, curious.
“Yeah. I’m starting as a teacher’s assistant. Teaching is what I’ve always wanted to do.”
“Congratulations. I hope you do well at it.” Jake means it. Liam deserves to have a job that makes him happy.
Another question comes to Jake’s mind. “You don’t already have a Dom?”
“No, I’m single.”
“Me, too. So let me get this right. You’re single, a sub, and won’t be working for me soon?” Jake almost can’t believe it.
“Yeah, that’s about right.” Liam nods.
“You had to tell me this now? Where I can’t do anything about it?” Jake groans.
“Who says you can’t do anything about it?” Liam asks, and flips the lock on Jake’s office door.
“I could get fired,” Jake points out, more tempted than he wants to admit. He’s never fooled around at work before, never really thought about doing it. But he likes the idea of getting away with doing something he shouldn’t with Liam.
“No one will know. Pretty much everyone’s drunk or gone home early. And don’t you know that people always hookup at the Christmas party? It’s been happening for years without anyone getting fired,” Liam says.
“I can already tell you’re going to be a bad influence,” Jake replies, even as he’s closing the distance between them.
He cages Liam in, a hand on either side of Liam’s head, which is leaning against the door, and his hips pressing into Liam’s, whose breath hitches. Jake leans in and brushes his lips across Liam’s. When Liam tries to deepen the kiss, Jake breaks it off.
“Even if this is just a Christmas party hookup, we’re doing things my way. I’m in charge, okay?” Jake says firmly.
“I want you in charge,” Liam says softly.
“Good. Now stay still. Take what I give you.” Jake waits to see Liam nod before he leans in again.
He kisses Liam gently but thoroughly, learning the shape of Liam’s mouth, the feel of it against his. They fit well together, and the kiss has heat stirring in Jake. He was nervous when he came into his office to talk with Liam, but he’s not feeling nervous now. He feels confident and turned on.
They make out for a while, Christmas music playing faintly in the background. The fact that they could get caught should scare the shit out of Jake, but instead it adds a level excitement. Jake kind of wishes he’d tried to have sex at work before.
Jake winds the kiss down slowly, sucking on Liam’s lip before he backs off completely. Liam makes a disappointed noise, but he doesn’t complain.
“Good boy,” Jake says firmly.
“Can I call you Sir? Or will that make you think of work too much?” Liam asks.
“You can call me Sir, if you’re comfortable with it.” In a scene, Jake prefers to be called Sir instead of Master. It just feels right. It’s made work feel weird before. When a good-looking guy calls him Sir, his body has taken an interest when it shouldn’t. But he also doesn’t want Liam to use a title that makes him feel uncomfortable and prevents him from getting in the right headspace.
“I’d like to call you Sir. I’d like that a lot. I get turned on sometimes in the office when I have to say it,” Liam admits, and it makes Jake smile that they’ve both reacted to an innocent word like that.
“Then call me Sir when you’re talking to me. And keep being honest with me. I like honesty.” He doesn’t want a sub just telling him what they thinks he wants to hear. This is about both of them, both of their needs.
“Yes, Sir. I’ll be honest,” Liam promises.
“Come over to my desk,” Jake says, walking over to stand beside it as he speaks.
Liam is quick to do as asked. His movements are quick, eager. His eyes are bright with heat already.
“Take everything off my desk, neatly. Keep it in order and put it on the floor out of the way.” Jake knows it’s supposed to be sexy to sweep everything off the desk with one hand, but this isn’t a porno. He needs to be practical. Not to mention that he wants to watch Liam doing as he’s told. He likes seeing Liam following his simple instructions to do a task.
“Yes, Sir,” Liam says as he starts to clear Jake’s desk. He does it slowly and carefully. He doesn’t rush, and he keeps everything neat.
Once the desk is bare, no papers, no Christmas cards, just wood, Liam steps back. He stands still, his hands carefully clasped behind his back, and Jake can’t believe his luck. This is like an early Christmas present, his own perfect sub.
“I want you to strip for me. Fold your clothes. Don’t make a mess,” Jake instructs.
> “Yes, Sir.”
Jake doesn’t think he could ever get sick of hearing those words from Liam. He’s been intrigued by Liam from the start, from when he first became a manager here. He’s watched Liam, fantasized by him. But he never thought Liam would want the same things. Jake isn’t religious, but this is starting to feel like a Christmas miracle.
Liam’s hands are steady as he undoes the buttons of his shirt. Jake stands and watches as skin is slowly revealed. Liam takes his shirt off first, folding it carefully, like Jake told him to. Shoes and socks follow. Then Liam’s hands are on his belt. He seems to hesitate for a second.
“It’s all right. You look amazing. Keep going,” Jake encourages. He knows it can’t be easy to bare yourself to a person for the first time. And this isn’t the most conventional situation.
Jake is aware they’re taking more of a risk doing things like this. If they get caught, it’ll be clear something sexual is going on here. There won’t be any hiding it. But Jake wants to see Liam naked. Besides, if they’re going to take a risk by having sex at work, they might as well really go for it.
Liam takes off his pants and then his underwear, folding them carefully and putting them down on the rest of his clothes. Then Liam stands there, his hands behind his back again. He’s beautiful, long lean body with pale skin, not a blemish to be seen.
“Good boy. You’re perfect,” Jake says, slowly removing his own tie as ideas rush through his head. There are so many things he wants to do with Liam. Hopefully he’ll get more than one chance to do them.
“Stay still,” Jake instructs as he moves to stand behind Liam. He can hear Liam’s breathing, steady and calm. Jake’s office is quiet apart from Liam’s breathing and the Christmas music still in the background. Jake doesn’t recognize the song playing at the moment, but even muffled, it’s clearly cheerful and people are singing along drunkenly.
Jake reaches out and takes hold of Liam’s wrists. He strokes over the delicate skin on the inside of Liam’s wrist, and he feels Liam shiver. Jake then unfolds his tie and uses it to bind Liam’s hands together. He’s careful not to tie Liam’s hands too tightly.
