Chapter 8
It's been about two weeks since Charles met with Bob. He was really hoping that Bob had some solution for him, but for now they were just going to have to stay quiet about their relationship.
Charles and Liza are having lunch outside of the office. They have become more comfortable about having a lunch together without people maybe suspecting anything other than a working relationship. They only have their lunch every couple of weeks, it's not an everyday lunch and they keep their hands to themselves and attempt to look professional when they do head out for their lunch. Plus, Charles is about to announce her promotion, that she still doesn't know about, and he feels that having lunch with an executive isn't all that odd. After all, he has lunch with other executives at work, Diana, Kelsey, etc.
"Charles it's okay, I understand. I've told you I like sneaking around, it's very sexy. One day we're going to be able to tell everyone, but until then I'm okay with how things are. You need to get your divorce settled. You don't want to start flaunting a new woman in your ex's face, the repercussions could be devastating."
"Liza I can't believe how understanding you are. You're the best thing to come into my like in such a long time. I do know that some day we will be together as a couple, we will let everyone know and not worry about what my company or my ex has to say about it."
After lunch Charles meets with Kelsey. "We've got everything ready for the announcement for Liza's promotion. Kelsey, I'm just so impressed with you and your commitment to Millennial and to Liza. I knew that I was doing the right thing when I gave you your own imprint. You've made me proud."
"Wow Charles, that is very nice. Thank you. And thank you for believing in me and believing in Liza. She does deserve this promotion. I watch her work to make Millennial and Empirical a better place every day, she will be a great asset for years to come."
"You don't think she suspects anything do you? I had lunch with her today and she didn't seem to have any idea that things are about to change for her at Empirical and Millennial."
"Charles don't worry she doesn't have a clue, she thinks it is a meeting for our latest authors offer, she is going to be so surprised. I'll see you at the meeting!" Kelsey smiles and leaves.
The promotion meeting for Liza is a small meeting. It only consists of Charles, Liza, Diana, Kelsey and the HR manager, Linda.
Charles starts speaking, trying to stay professional. "This meeting shouldn't be a long meeting, we just wanted to say a few things about some changes that will be happening at Empirical and Millennial."
Liza looks at Kelsey, wondering 'what is happening? Are we all getting fired, why is HR here, this can't be good?'
"Liza, I'm sorry to bring you here under the guise of a book offer for your latest author. We've actually brought you in to explain a big change with our company."
'Shit, he's firing me! What the hell, what did I do wrong? Did HR find out about our relationship and they are making him fire me? Why wouldn't he give me a heads up?!'
Charles continues with a smile. "Liza we are here to offer you a promotion. You are a big part of Empirical and Millennial's success. We feel that you deserve to be rewarded for your loyalty to us. We want to give you a new title and of course a raise along with it. How does Executive Editor sound?"
"What?...Oh my god! Yes! I love that!" She looks at Kelsey, knowing that she had something to do with this.
"You deserve this girl, I can't do this without you and even though your title was just an assistant, you were doing the job of an executive. Congratulations Liza!"
Liza looks at everyone around the room, they are all smiling at her. She looks back at Charles and tries not to give away to everyone that she loves him. She attempts to show him a look of appreciation.
"Charles! You had me worried there for a minute, I thought I was getting fired!" They all laugh.
"No Liza we know that you are a big asset here and we're not letting you go anywhere." Charles exclaims.
"Wow I'm speechless, I'm so happy and thank you for believing in me!"
"Okay then, lets call it a meeting and everyone have a nice evening. See you at work tomorrow." Charles walks towards Liza and waits as Kelsey and Diana both give her a hug.
'Should I hug her, shake her hand?' he thinks.
"Liza, come by my office before you leave, we have some paperwork for you to sign. It will indicate your new position and your new salary starting tomorrow." Linda explains.
"Okay, I'll stop by in a couple minutes."
Liza turns to Charles as he waits for everyone to finish their congratulations. "Charles, thank you again! I just don't know what to say."
"Liza no need to say anything, just continue to make us proud of you!" He reaches to shake her hand, she bypasses it and gives him a hug.
"Sorry, everyone else was hugging me, why not you too!" She smiles.
He laughs softly and gives her a small smile. "I'll see you tomorrow. Have a great evening."
Liza has been to HR and signed all the paperwork needed. Linda explained when the new pay would start and gave her all the information that she needs that comes with becoming a 'salary' employee verses an 'hourly' employee. Along with the raise, there is more PTO days. She will receive a company phone and have a company credit card for expenses. Linda did explain that even though she has the promotion, Liza will still be a part time assistant to Diana, they will split up her duties for Diana with another assistant in the company. Maybe eventually she will move away from Diana's office, but for now she will be putting in time to keep Diana happy. Liza is fine with that, she likes working with Diana, she has learned a lot about marketing and they've become friends in a way.
"Liza, lets go and celebrate!" Kelsey is waiting at Liza's desk.
"Oh, I don't know Kelsey." Liza is wondering what Charles is doing, she really wants to celebrate with him.
"Nope, I'm not taking no for an answer! I've got everyone meeting to celebrate! Let's go girl!" Kelsey hands Liza her purse and pulls her towards the elevator.
They are at a very nice bar just a couple blocks from the office. Liza is surprised to see Diana, Lauren, a couple of friends she has made at Empirical and even Redmond is here too. "Wow this place is very nice! I'm so happy that you all have showed up to celebrate my promotion."
"Tall Girl! I knew you had it in you. Congratulations!" Redmond clinks glasses with her as a toast.
"Redmond, thank you and thank you for showing up."
Liza has texted Maggie and she is on her way. Maggie responds, 'I wouldn't miss this for anything, I'll be there in about an hour.'
They are having a great time, drinking, laughing and celebrating Liza. But Liza can't help but think how she'd love to have Charles here with her. It's times like this that are sad for her because she can't share her happiness with him out in the open with everyone to see.
As she is starting to feel a bit sorry for herself, she all the sudden feels his presence behind her. She turns and he's standing there in front of her. "Charles!"
"Yeah, I felt I better come by for a quick toast before I head home to the girls." He smiles at her and gives her a quick look of desire. It was so quick that no one noticed, but Liza noticed it and it brought her spirits back up.
He orders a bourbon as everyone at the table orders another round of what they've been drinking. He is standing next to Liza. The table is a small table for so many of them, so he can touch his arm to her arm as they all talk and celebrate. Their drinks show up and Charles holds up his glass. "A toast to Liza! May she continue to wow us all!"
"To Liza!" they all clink their glasses and drink.
Everyone continue to have great conversations and at one-point Charles and Diana are talking across the table from Liza. Liza doesn't know what they are talking about, but she does notice a couple times his eyes meet hers, it warms her blood.
Charles has ordered one more drink, but explains it will be his last, he does need to head home soon.
"Liza, please excuse me I see a friend of mine, I'm going to say hello." She watches him walk away and stop to talk to his friend.
Liza excuses herself "I've got to go to the restroom, I'll be right back." She walks by Charles and his friend, Charles notices as she passes by. He ends his conversation with his friend and walks in the direction that Liza was heading.
He watches as she enters the restroom, so he waits outside in the quiet hallway. She reappears and was a bit startled to see him leaning against the wall waiting for her. She gives him a wanting look. He looks around and seeing they are alone, he pulls her to him and kisses her hard. They are breathing hard and he tastes of bourbon. "Mmmmm" she moans into his mouth.
"Liza, I've been wanting to do that all day!" He sits her back to her feet as they hear voices coming their way.
A couple women pass them, they enter the restroom. They again move into each other, tongues colliding and lips melting together.
They don't want to, but they pull apart and smile at each other. "I better get back to the table before someone notices we're both gone." Liza gives him one last peck on the lips and starts back for their table.
Charles uses the restroom and heads back to the table himself. He has another conversation with Diana and Redmond but keeps looking towards his girl. 'God she's beautiful' he thinks to himself.
"Well I'm going to have to go now. Liza congratulations on your promotion and I'll see you tomorrow at work. Don't you all stay out to late, we all need be adults and show up for work somewhat sober!" Charles laughs and excuses himself and heads home to his girls.
Maggie finally makes it to the celebration, just as Charles has left.
"Maggie, you just missed Charles, I bet you two passed each other! Thank you for coming! Can you believe this?" Liza hugs Maggie.
"Honey I knew about the promotion, it seems Kelsey had to tell someone! Liza I'm so proud of you! You'll be running that place someday!" she laughs as Liza gives her a look.
The celebration is starting to wind down. Diana and Redmond have left, it's just Kelsey, Lauren and Maggie left. "I think we need to get home." Liza looks at Maggie.
Maggie give her a knowing look. "Sure honey."
Kelsey and Lauren hail a cab and they head to Lauren's parents' home. "See you tomorrow Liza! Congratulations girl!" Kelsey yells from the cab.
Liza and Maggie jump in their car and they head to Charles'. Charles had been texting with Liza since he left the celebration and he said if it's not to late, he'd love for her to stop by. She texted him at about 10 and said that things were winding down and they were all getting ready to head home. 'Is it too late to come by?'
He responded 'No, the girls are in bed and I can't wait to see you.'
"Will you be home tonight?" Maggie asks Liza.
"Yes, it will be late, but I'll be home. I'll text you when I'm heading home so you won't worry about me."
"Have fun." Maggie smiles and gives Liza a suggestive look.
Charles is waiting for her when she pulls up to the curb. He takes her hand and walks into the townhouse. Shutting the door behind her, he reaches around her waist and pulls her to him, she wraps her arms around his neck and he lifts her as she wraps her legs around his waist as he presses her up against the door.
"How do you manage to get sexier as each day goes by Liza?" he breathes in her ear. "I've been wanting to get lost in you all day. It's been a struggle for me to maintain composure around you today." He says as he is kissing and sucking her neck.
"Charles, I've felt the same today. What are you doing to me? I didn't want lunch with you today, I wanted to be in your arms, doing bad things to you." As she drags her teeth across his jawline and moves to bite his bottom lip softly. She looks at him with a look he's seen before, a look that drives him wild with desire.
Charles sits her down, takes her hand and they rush quietly upstairs and into his bedroom. He closes the door and again presses her against the wall, pressing himself against her. "You taste so good Liza."
Liza is tugging at his t-shirt and he helps her pull it off over his head. "You look delicious." She runs her hands across his chest and his tight stomach.
"Liza, lift your arms." She does as he asks and the takes her dress by the hem and lifts it off over her head. He runs his fingertip across the top of her breast just where her bra lays across her skin, he tugs it down exposing her breast, he bends, placing it in his mouth, sucking and kissing her nipple. His other hand slides down inside her panties and he slides his fingers into her. "Mmmmm" he moans his appreciation.
Liza is on fire. Charles stops kissing her. just so he can watch her as he continues to pleasure her with his hand. "Charles baby! Oh my god that feels so good." she watches him as he watches her.
"You're so beautiful!" He looks at her and kisses her softly.
Charles removes his hand from her and removes her panties.
Liza runs her hand along his arousal and he pushes his flannel bottoms and his boxers off. She grabs him and strokes him, he jerks in her hand. "Charles you're so hard!" giving him a very wicked look. She then bends down and takes him in her mouth.
"Liza god damn!" he is breathing hard. "I've got to be inside you baby!" He picks her up and takes her to the bed. She lays back and watches him as he slowly climbs over her. She takes him and guides him into her. "Ahhhhh" he sighs.
They melt into each other, becoming one, both savoring each other's bodies as they take each other over the edge.
