For those celebrating Valentine's Day, don't forget to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you every day, not just today. Take it from me; it's the everyday sentiments that mean the most! For those currently without a special someone to snuggle up with…I give you…Edward Cullen...just a warning…that boy really loves his shower… Thanks to iluvtwilight for your review, I'm sorry I didn't have a reply button from FF to send you a teaser! (and FF wouldn't let me put the dots in your name - bah!)
AH/OOC, rated M for both language and lemons.
Twilight character names and where appropriate canon words belong to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. Full disclaimer is on Chapter One.
Cullen Technologies Inc.
Chapter Eleven: Red Wine and Running Water
I spent Sunday morning sleeping in late before relaxing on the couch with the weekend papers, a plateful of warm flaky croissants and as usual, huge amounts of coffee.
Shit…I really need to get a gym membership organised, all this food and no pool to work it off in will definitely make for an overweight unhealthy Cullen in no time…
This was one occasion that reminded me how much I missed my old home; the pool was one of the main attractions which had persuaded me to buy the place. Although it wasn't very wide, only really enough for two people to swim at a time, it was long enough to be able to get in a proper workout and I had developed a routine of swimming lengths pretty much every day to keep fit.
I couldn't eat all that fantastic Italian food without having some kind of balance…
Having spent five and a half very long days holed up in the office, I couldn't face the idea of going into work today. I'd found over the last month or so that I needed at least one full day off a week to recharge my batteries, otherwise I felt as if I was drowning in paperwork, I just couldn't seem to get away from it.
My family had been very understanding and sensitive about my relocation back to Chicago so far. They were still being very careful not to push me too far too fast, allowing me to set the pace for my reintroduction into Chicago life. Although they never said anything directly to my face, I think they were a little worried that if they pushed me too much I might well be tempted to up and leave again.
No…I'm not going to do that to them again…I'm stronger now than before…
Esme had called me on Saturday evening to remind me that they had planned a small family dinner for the Sunday night at one of their favourite restaurants. I knew she was keen on getting the whole family together; after all I hadn't exactly being overly sociable since my return, even though I'd been back in Chicago for more than a month now.
I knew it was about time for me to make a bit more of an effort, there was only so long I could get away with using the excuse of "settling in…" Apart from my family, I had no plans to reconnect with anyone else from my past here. When I moved I had deliberately cut all ties with people I had, in my naïve stupidity once considered friends. Even if I could find any of them, I had no desire to do so; I had no intention of rekindling anything with them.
I'm not going to make the same mistakes again…
The friends that I'd made when I first moved to Italy were my true friends, they knew every facet of me after all, and they'd seen me at my worst. When I had first arrived I was a nearly twenty two year old fucked up mess, and yet they accepted me, supporting me unconditionally as I stripped away the old me, slowly learning how to become someone who could hold their head up high, someone who was actually worthy of the unconditional love my parents and family had always supplied me with.
As I thought about my friendships in Italy, and eyed the clock on the mantel above the fireplace, mentally trying through my caffeine infused haze to figure out the time difference between the States and Italy to see if I should try skyping them for a chat, I couldn't stop my thoughts moving towards what was now the inevitable subject of Brown Eyes.
I remembered how comfortable I had felt when I first arrived in the coffee shop; how it was the sort of place I could see myself relaxing in. Now that memory would forever be intermingled with thoughts of the beautiful girl with expressive brown eyes who was sometimes curled up in the corner of said shop reading or writing, and sometimes served coffee from behind the counter even though she didn't work there…
I remembered the obvious familiarity and ease of her friendship with apron girl damn, I really must find out their names at some point, I can't keep calling them Brown Eyes and apron girl forever…and couldn't help feeling a little jealous of it. I recognized the ease; it was the same one I had in my friendships, born of a true trust between people. Unfortunately for me however, those people were now a continent, several hours of time difference and a slightly fuzzy webcam away.
Shaking my head to diffuse the haze and pull me out of my self-inflicted pity party I decided it was time to haul myself off the couch, heading over to the piano instead. As I sat down on the bench seat and stretched my arms above my head to get the kinks out, I could already feel myself cheering up; music had always had that effect on me.
Closing my eyes briefly and taking in several deep breathes to clear my head, I began lightly running my fingers up and down the keys, playing some scales to loosen up before trying yet again to capture the notes of the tune that had been haunting me for days now. It wasn't something I had heard before; it seemed to be something that I was composing as I went along, but every time I got to a certain place the notes petered out, seemingly unwilling to be captured just yet.
After losing track of time for a few hours playing I decided to stop being such a lazy fuck, using a lack of a pool as a convenient excuse for getting out of doing any exercise was not acceptable. Instead I headed to my closet and pulled out some sweats and a pair of running shoes. Although I couldn't swim at the moment to work off the overdose of croissants, I could at least pound the fucking sidewalks instead.
Heading into the shower once I got back, hot, sweaty and painfully aware of my need for a new and serious fitness program, I realised I was already running late for the family dinner at Luigi's. After a cursory glance in the mirror I decided that although I had a little stubble I could probably get away without shaving for the night to save some time. I washed my hair and roughly towel dried it, knowing that even if I spent several hours trying to tame it there wouldn't be any point, I'd learned from previous experience, whatever I tried it would only do exactly as it pleased.
Quickly dressing in a dark suit I grabbed my cell, wallet and keys, depositing them in the pockets of my overcoat before heading out. Remembering the chill in the air when I was out running earlier, I grabbed a scarf and some leather gloves before heading down to the underground parking beneath my apartment building.
As I pulled up near the restaurant I was relieved to see a parking space free nearby. Thank fuck for that, I'm only a few minutes late…
I looked up as I walked in through the restaurant door; there was a couple in front of me, standing talking with the restaurant hostess. I wasn't sure if they were just leaving or just arriving; as I waited patiently behind them I couldn't help overhearing their conversation.
"Everything ok, honey?" the woman purred to her partner as she nestled in closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder in a loving gesture.
Fuck, that's a sexy voice…all husky and with a promise of things to come…
I couldn't help my eyes scanning appreciatively over her, admiring the woman's form as she stood in front of me. As I watched, her boyfriend squeezed her ass, which I have to admit is luscious…fuck, I guess after Brown Eyes this definitely confirms it, I'm an "ass" man…before he then wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. She was wearing one of the sexiest dresses I'd ever seen, it finished a good few inches above her knees, showing off a fantastically toned pair of legs which ended in a very high pair of black heels, accentuating her tiny feet perfectly.
The dress had a low v-shaped back with a silver zip stretching the full length of it, just pleading for me to step forward a couple of paces and pull it down slowly, revealing her entirely to me. The skin that was exposed by the dress glowed softly in the light, almost sparkling, making her appearance ethereal.
As I continued admiring the woman discreetly, I couldn't help smiling as I heard her boyfriend teasing her affectionately, calling her "babe" and "darling" as he kissed her forehead, cuddling up to her as he suggested that they should have taken their dessert to go.
Sounds like he's planning on getting lucky tonight…I'm glad someone around here is…
Once he had helped her into her coat I waited for them to turn around, idly hoping to catch a glimpse of her face before I headed over to the hostess, who I realized to my disgust was already eye fucking me, pouting her overly lip-glossed mouth and fluttering her fake lashes at me.
Seriously…why do girls think that's attractive…it just makes them look stupid…
I couldn't stop a gasp of shock as I caught sight of the woman's face for the first time. My heart sunk into the pit of my stomach upon my realisation that it was Brown Eyes standing in front of me.
Fuck…no wonder I was admiring her ass so much…
I realised immediately why I hadn't recognised her, I was used to seeing her dressed fairly casually albeit still sexily, with that gorgeous mahogany hair piled into a messy bun. The sleek up-do she had it in tonight had thrown me completely. I could see what looked like natural red highlights as her hair shone under the restaurant lights and apparently it didn't matter if she was using a pencil or a black sparkly hair clip to secure the style; I still had to fight an instant urge to reach up and pull it out, freeing her hair before running my fingers through it.
Shit, what is it about her hair…? It's like a fucking drug or something; I'm obsessed by it…
I couldn't stop staring at her as she walked towards me, a look of recognition in her eyes as she blushed furiously at my now obvious gawping of her. My eyes were automatically drawn to her boyfriend's arm which was now protectively wrapped around her waist again and I had to fight my instincts, clenching my hands into fists by my sides to stop from physically reaching over and pulling her away from his grasp and into my arms instead.
Mine…
She's not yours…remember…
I don't care…I want her to be mine…and only mine…
Yes, but you've been watching her for a month now and did nothing…fuck, you couldn't even hold a conversation with her…come on…did you really think a girl like that would be single…?
Shit…Shit…Shit…Shit…
Although I felt as jealous as fuck about the man who was obviously at the very least dating her, Christ… for all I know they could be married… I couldn't even bring myself to be angry at him; he was one lucky guy to have someone as beautiful as her on his arm.
The anger I felt was all directed at myself, at my stupid reluctance to admit my attraction to the one girl who had captured my attention in a long time…although…maybe it's for the best; they've probably been dating forever…I know if I had her I wouldn't let her go…
As I continued my pointless and rather pathetic argument with my own subconscious, I began pulling my gloves off so that I could rake my fingers through my hair furiously, always my default action when I was stressed.
I could see Brown Eyes visibly flinch at my expression, and I wanted to slap myself as I realised I hadn't yet moved my gaze and as such I'd been unwittingly glaring at her while in the midst of my self-flagellation. Quickly clearing my expression I nodded briefly in her direction, unable to trust my ability to speak, before moving out of the way to allow them to pass.
I couldn't stop myself, as I walked up to the hostess, instead of giving her my name I instead muttered that I had left my cell phone in my car and would be back shortly. Although I knew I was behaving even more like a crazy obsessive stalker than normal around Brown Eyes, once they were safely out the door and walking down the street I still found myself following after them from a safe distance.
Fuck, what next Cullen…are you going to find out where she lives and climb in her bedroom window at night…?
I didn't know what I was thinking, or even if I was thinking at all, I just had to see them together again. Although I was torturing myself by doing so I had to know, were they that affectionate when there wasn't an audience, or was it all just for show?
Yeah Cullen, I think that's called wishful thinking…
Unfortunately my fears were only confirmed further as I watched them walk down the street away from me as I skulked against the shop fronts, trying to stay hidden in the shadows, like the ridiculous stalker I appear to be turning into…
I watched as he put his arm around her shoulder, hugging her closer to him before rubbing her arm affectionately as they walked, huddled together.
See…it's a deserted street, they don't need to put on a show…she belongs with him…
My sullen mood was further exacerbated by the annoying hostess when I eventually dragged myself back into the restaurant. I didn't want to go back in, I had a sudden urge to go home and lie on my couch for the rest of the evening pouting and sulking like the thirteen year old girl I was apparently turning into. It was only the thought that my family would already be seated in the private dining room that had been booked for the evening and were probably wondering where the fuck I was, that persuaded me to go back in.
The hostess winked and fluttered and wiggled her way around the tables, leading me to the back of the restaurant. I in turn, ignored her as best I could as I reached the table where everyone was already seated and studying the menu.
"Edward, there you are…" Esme smiled softly at me as I walked apologetically towards her and kissed her cheek in greeting.
"Hi Mom, sorry I'm late everyone, I um…lost track of time…"
Handing my coat over to the hostess with a nod and a tight smile I headed for the spare seat next to my father, who gave me a knowing look and indicated towards the bottles of wine set on the table in front of me. I grinned thankfully in his direction as I dropped into the chair, running my fingers through my hair yet again.
It's going to be a long evening…
"Thanks Dad, red would be great…"
"So Emmett…no Rosalie tonight, I think she's trying to avoid meeting me…?" I raised my eyebrow questioningly at him as I gratefully took a slug of the wine as soon as Dad had poured a generous glass for me.
If I'm only having one glass as I'm driving, I'm damn well going to enjoy it…
"Nah, she's away at a work conference this weekend, besides…I don't think she wanted to be the odd one out…" he said, winking at me as my eyes travelled around the table. It was just my parents and my brother and sister joining me for dinner tonight.
As far as I was aware Alice wasn't dating anyone at present. I didn't know if Emmett was still doing his big brother routine on Alice's love life or if he'd finally grown out of it. I was the first to admit I'd been just as bad as him with the overprotective crap when I was younger, but I knew better than to interfere anymore. Not only was she perfectly capable of handling herself, but Alice could be pretty scary when annoyed.
The conversation continued as the hostess arrived back to check that everything was alright and that we were ready to order. I barely suppressed a groan and reached hastily for my wine glass again as she informed us with a smirk that as this was the private dining room she would be looking after the table for the entire night, rather than handing us over to one of the wait staff.
I couldn't help shifting awkwardly in my seat as she made a big play of running her fingernails up my arm and leaning in to my side as she worked her way around the table, order pad in hand. By the end of taking the orders she was practically sitting in my lap.
Fuck…can I ever get any peace around here…?
After a few general questions about how I was settling in and the extent of the workload, I had finally relaxed enough to actually be enjoying the mushroom ravioli which had been set in front of me. Unfortunately, that was when Esme decided to bring up the question I knew she had been desperate to know the answer to since she'd first issued the dinner offer.
Damn, she's good…
"So Edward…" her expression was angelic, but I could see a devilish glint in her eye as she spoke, "have you met any nice girls since you got back…?"
I could see the hostess almost stop in her tracks as she paused in the middle of topping up the wine glasses, waiting for my answer almost as eagerly as my mom.
"Sorry Mom, no one has caught my eye…" I lied smoothly, making sure I looked directly in her eyes with a innocent expression before glancing pointedly at the hostess to make sure she had understood too.
Although, shit…will that make her think that I am interested in her…? Now what should I do…? Oh fuck, why do I make everything so complicated…?
I knew exactly what Esme was getting at; she made no secret of her desire to have some grandchildren to spoil while she and Carlisle were still relatively young. I'm pretty sure as far as dutiful children goes, we were considered quite the disappointment in her circle of friends.
When the various relationship questions were directed to the two of them earlier in the conversation, Emmett had fielded his smoothly, claiming that his and Rosalie's relationship was still too new for the kind of pressure that came from talk of babies. Alice just snorted daintily and glared in Emmett's direction as if daring him to admit his interference in her affairs before claiming she was "currently too busy with work to pursue a relationship."
Oh fuck…that's not fair…I was going to use that one…
I certainly wasn't about to admit that I had found someone that interested me immensely. I hadn't had a chance to fully process the events of the evening yet, my mind still reeling from my unwanted discovery. Although I knew if I told them about it they would be sympathetic to my plight, I currently had no desire to share the confusing turn my life had taken recently with my family.
Unfortunately, after admitting that I wasn't presently seeing anyone, from previous experience I was pretty sure I would now be getting a phone call from Esme within the next couple of days, to tell me about the daughter of one of her friends who just happened to be single and my age and absolutely perfect for me, before trying to set me up on a blind date.
Dammit…she never gives up…I'll just have to deal with that possibility if it arises…
The rest of the evening continued fairly slowly, due to my inability to drink as much alcohol as I really wanted to, having been running late enough to have to resort to bringing my car. After desserts and coffee we settled the tab and gathered our coats to head back out, I made sure I conspicuously left behind the note the hostess had slipped me with her name and phone number, I didn't want to give her any false hope that I would be reciprocating her advances in any way.
Once I got back home, after agreeing to head over to the Cullen residence for dinner after I got back from my planned trip to the manufacturing plants later this week, I did what I had been wanting to do all evening, stretching out on the couch, staring blankly into the distance with a bottle of beer, a sulky expression and a million images flashing through my mind.
I hadn't been able to banish my unexpected meeting with Brown Eyes from my thoughts. As I was beginning to realise was a usual occurrence in her presence, my cock had sprung to attention the moment I'd spotted her, excited at the mere thought of being introduced, and I'd been semi hard all evening. Ironically, the only thing which had seemed to work to reduce the problem during dinner was the unwanted attentions of the restaurant hostess.
Putting the beer down, I rubbed my hands over my face tiredly, groaning out loud as I realised that after seeing her in this evening's outfit, I now had a whole new flurry of images of Brown Eyes to entertain my admittedly already vivid imagination. Reluctantly I decided to admit defeat and head to the shower for some much needed relief.
Although I had a moment of guilt at the idea of borrowing the image of what was undoubtedly someone else's girlfriend for my own pleasure, I pushed the feeling aside fairly quickly. For one, I felt my thoughts were a much healthier option for everyone concerned than the idea of trawling through nearby bars and clubs, trying to find someone who looked similar enough to her to satisfy my urges with a one night stand.
Not really my style anyway…
I also came to the conclusion that I had to be realistic. Inconveniently, from the first time I'd seen Brown Eyes my subconscious had decreed that all other women would pretty much cease to exist for me. I had no desire for external stimuli from magazines or DVDs and tonight, what I had thought was the only other woman that I'd seen in the last month who'd appealed to me in a sexual way, had turned out to be Brown Eyes anyway…
Fuck…I'm so screwed…
Realistically, at the very least I was going to have to sleep at some point, which wasn't looking likely to happen with my ongoing problem. Unless I was fancying walking around for the rest of my life being both sleep deprived and perpetually horny with no likelihood of release, I was going to have to accept facts…
As I shed my clothes and threw them into the hamper I turned the shower on, waiting for a moment for it to warm up before stepping in and adjusting the jets. It was ridiculous to get attached to inanimate objects but I couldn't deny it, I loved my shower…
It happened to be the same as the one that was installed in my private bathroom at the office and I took great delight in the high pressure and variable height jets which could be directed to wash away the strain of the day or pummel sore muscles into submission.
I stepped under the overhead jets, dipping my face under the stream of water to allow it to flow over my head and shoulders. I then ran my hands through my wet hair, slicking it back as the steamy hot water continued to pour down. Looking across the bathroom I could see my reflection still, my hair darkened by the water, the steam not yet far enough across the room to cloud the mirror.
As I looked at my reflection I imagined Brown Eyes standing in front of me, her pink lips pouting slightly as she looked up from under her lashes sensually. I pictured her reaching behind to slowly unzip the dress she had been wearing earlier, letting it fall from her shoulders and pool at her feet.
Oh course, this being my fantasy, she's completely naked underneath the dress…
Hey, you can't blame a guy...
My cock twitched in response to the vision, my eyes closing as I began watching a series of images that flashed behind my eyelids; her naked except for the high heels...her slender waist...the curve of her hips...the dip of her collarbone which I just wanted to lick and suck and bite on forever...
Fuck…I know this is my fantasy, but she's perfect…
She was running her hands slowly over her body as she watched me watching her. She sauntered slowly towards me as I stood under the flow of water, open mouthed and probably drooling. There was a knowing smirk on her lips; her eyes were locked with mine the whole time. As she reached me she eased the heels off before stepping into the shower with me.
Finally…
Leaning in to me, she locked her arms around my neck, running the fingers of one hand through my wet hair, pulling my head closer to her before she took my earlobe into her mouth and bit lightly down on it. My fantasy Brown Eyes then kissed softly along my jaw line as I moaned at the feeling.
As I continued to stand with the jets of water cascading down around me I could almost feel the ghost of her touch, trailing over my shoulders, following the path of the droplets of water as they trickled slowly down my body. I could feel her fingertips lightly tracing patterns across my skin before the sensation of her warm tongue lapping at the droplets, followed the same path.
Reaching blindly without bothering to open my eyes, afraid if I did so I could break the spell, I grabbed a bottle of body wash and squeezed a generous flow into the palm of my hand. After briefly lathering my hands together I began running my palms over my chest and then down across my stomach, spreading the soap across my body, ostensibly washing away the grime of the day but instead feeling the muscles of my abdomen tense and release, my warm damp skin tingling as I imagined it to be her hands ghosting over me…her fingernails lightly scraping across the skin, causing me to shiver at the sensation…her naked wet body pressed closely to mine…
The picture in my mind of the perfect curve of her ass naked in front of me, close enough for me to run my hands over it, pulling her nearer, was enough to set my fantasy into fast forward. Reaching to my now painfully hard cock with my soapy hand I stroked the length of my erection a few times, the slipperiness of the soap adding an easy gliding action to the practised grip of my hand.
Fuck…that feels incredible…
I knew I wouldn't last too long, sex hadn't been on the menu for a while now and since seeing Brown Eyes for the first time, I had discovered a desire to spend more time taking long showers than I had when I was a horny inexperienced teenager learning what my body liked.
"So beautiful…" I muttered softly to myself as I pictured her before me, momentarily frustrated that I couldn't let her name fall from my lips as I wanted it to; I still didn't know it.
As I continued to stroke myself, my grip tightened on the shaft on the way up each time. I gently squeezed my balls with my other hand, brushing my thumb against the sensitive area of skin at the base of my erection.
Mindful of what worked best for my body, I then began rotating my fingers slightly on the upstroke, tightening my grip further and brushing over the sensitive head each time with my palm, the action causing me to groan loudly at the additional sensation it created.
Fuck, I want to be buried inside her so badly…
I could feel my whole body tensing, my legs struggling to hold my weight as I stroked myself faster, my release gaining ground, pressure building by the second. I planted my feet more firmly and moved my other hand to brace it against the cold dampness of the tiles around me, my fingers trying to dig into the hard surface mindlessly.
Collapsing in the shower and cracking my head open on the tile…? Probably not the best move right now…Imagine trying to explain that at the hospital…
The image that tipped me over the edge was the thought of Brown Eyes before me, her head thrown back, her cheeks gloriously flushed and an expression of ecstatic pleasure on her face. Her back was pressed into the tiles, oblivious to their coldness, her legs wrapped firmly around my waist as I supported her weight and she urged me closer, clawing at my shoulders, pulling me deeper.
You don't have to ask…all I want is to be as close to you as possible…
As I imagined myself pressed against her, burrowing my face into that gorgeous hair, I could feel her hardened nipples against my chest, her breasts crushed between us as I pushed into her. My cock was finally where it had been desperate to be since the first time I saw her; buried deep within her, never wanting to leave.
Fuck…so tight…so warm…I can't…I can't hold on…fuck…
The image was too much for me, my hips bucking reflexively into my hand, my movements now frantic and erratic as I lost control. The bathroom echoed with a mixture of groans and expletives as my whole body tensed, my movements stilling as my release shot forcefully onto the cool tiling.
I rested my head against the tiles, panting as I tried to catch my breath, desperately dragging oxygen into my lungs. The water from the shower, which thankfully had stayed warm, continued to cascade down, swiftly washing all evidence of my actions down the drain. I couldn't move, my legs felt weak, my whole body trembling at the sheer power of my orgasm.
Fuck…I don't remember it ever feeling like that before…what is she doing to me…?
As my breathing slowed and once I felt a little more in control of my body, confident my knees wouldn't buckle beneath me, I managed to finish rinsing myself off, dazedly.
Grabbing a nearby towel and wrapping it loosely round my hips I stepped out of the shower, intent only on running a towel over my hair and brushing my teeth before heading to my bedroom.
I'm definitely going to be able to sleep now…
I was completely exhausted, my body spent, head spinning, overwhelmed by the events of the day.
Arriving in my room I didn't bother pulling the drapes or turning a light on, I simply threw the towel over a chair, and dropped on to the bed, immediately falling into one of the best night's sleep I'd had in a long time.
~~~~~~**~~~~~~
Apart from being woken up the next morning by the sunlight streaming through my windows; the ignored drapes from the previous night obviously offering no cover, the next few days were fairly uneventful.
Monday and Tuesday were spent tied to my desk, frantically trying to get all the work done that needed to be completed before I headed out of the office for my trip later in the week.
Fuck only knows when I'm supposed to fit in the work that will be waiting for me when I get back…
I'd brought a lot of the additional workload onto myself. I knew how hard Carlisle had worked to keep the company profitable and ensure the livelihoods of all the employees and I was determined to keep that legacy going now I'd been entrusted with the job. Thanks to my years of experience in the industry I was confident that I'd be able to do so, but unfortunately the number of changes that needed to be implemented meant that the work just kept piling up.
I knew Mrs Cope was struggling, I felt awful at the amount of work she'd been dealing with, trying to cope on her own. Thankfully, although she was in complete agreement with me that we definitely needed an additional pair of hands on this floor, the idea of Jessica Stanley, the floating admin assistant, being that pair of hands was not one either of us could stomach.
She is one scary girl…
Ms Stanley was a perfectly pleasant person, as long as you saw her in very small doses and preferably from a safe distance. She'd been very keen since my arrival, offering her help both within and after office hours and had recently taken to loitering on the top floor at odd times of day, trying to catch me whenever I ventured out of my office.
Mrs Cope had informed me that the HR department were currently looking to employ another floater to help spread the workload. Unfortunately in the meantime we agreed that we'd have to at the very least be polite in our dealings with Ms Stanley. If they were unable to find anyone else suitable or God forbid the new employee was even worse than her…we might yet end up having to transfer her up here.
On Tuesday evening I headed for the airport, my focus now solely on the whirlwind tour of our manufacturing plants that had been organised for me. After only a couple of days I was craving the relative normality and comfort of my own apartment, my own bed. A series of bland, impersonal hotel rooms in various cities did nothing to distract me from the constant waiting at airports, sitting on planes that were too cold and avoidance of in-flight meals that my life had temporarily turned into.
The weekend was no different, my usual need for at least one day off a week was tempered by the fact that I didn't want to be, wherever the fuck I was…
I couldn't decide whether it was a good thing that I was unable to go to the coffee shop on Saturday afternoon or not. Part of me thought it probably was, after all there was no point in torturing myself needlessly. Unfortunately, the other part of me, the sadistic side of me that craved what I couldn't have, ached to see her again.
Shit, she's probably avoiding the place in case she bumped into you anyway…chances are you'll never see her again…
The beginning of the next week didn't go to plan, I had hoped to be back in Chicago by now, but problems I had uncovered during my visit had unfortunately delayed my return. The only good news to filter through my grumpy and exhausted brain was that C.T.I. had managed to employ someone suitable for the floating admin position and they were able to start straight away.
I had spoken to various people while I was away, but they were all being strangely reticent, reluctant to discuss the new appointment. I was beginning to feel as if there was some kind of conspiracy going on; when asked, each person would only tell me that the new employee had been approved of by not only the HR department but also my family and Mrs Cope.
High praise indeed…they must be good…
When I tried pressing them for further details I got blanked, much to my confusion. My anxiety was only soothed by Mrs Cope's assurance that I would also approve of them.
Fuck, hopefully it's a middle aged man with a loving wife and three children; maybe I'll get some peace then…
The mystery was partially solved when I received a polite and efficient email on Monday afternoon from a Bella Swan. After speaking to Mrs Cope I ascertained that she was indeed the new assistant.
My subtle question as to whether she would be a good fit for the floor was met was an affirmative and enthusiastic "definitely," so I relaxed, trusting in Mrs Cope's judgement that she wasn't going to turn out to be one of "my stalkers" and knowing that she needed this to work just as much as I did.
There goes my theory of a middle aged man I guess…
I was reasonably relaxed therefore about being introduced to the new employee who had fitted into the company so smoothly in my absence. As luck would have it, I managed to get an earlier flight than expected back and decided to head into the office on Wednesday afternoon, hoping to begin catching up with the workload sure to be waiting for me and surprisingly excited to get back to my regular routine. I'd found that I'd actually missed Chicago, proof in my eyes of my continued acceptance of my new life.
I'd been a little sneaky, not letting Mrs Cope know of my earlier than expected return. I had hoped to get into the building relatively unseen so that I could avoid as many unwanted confrontations and interruptions as possible. I hoped to get in a few solid hours of work before anyone realised I was back.
As I exited the elevator and walked through to the main office I was surprised to see it deserted. At first I thought everyone must be elsewhere in the building but as I neared my office I could hear the low murmur of voices.
I raked my fingers through my hair and straightened my tie, ready to greet Mrs Cope and presumably Ms Swan. However, the sight that greeted me as I walked through the door was not one I was expecting.
My eyes widened, my legs weakened and I stopped breathing as I looked through the doorway to be met with the vision of a girl, stretched forward on her knees, her ass sticking up temptingly before me. Her skirt even had a decorative bow at the back, directly highlighting the way to the perfect curve of her backside, as if it needs any help…
I couldn't stop my gaze from sweeping over the rest of her form, I choked down a moan, managing to turn it into a vague attempt at a cough as I realised her skirt was hitched up, giving me a tantalising glimpse of the top of her stockings.
Fuck…that is hot…
My brain continued trying to process the delectable sight before me, while also arguing with itself to be gentlemanly and look away, obviously that would be the polite thing to do... As I continued my struggle between right and wrong, one particular aspect of the view suddenly struck me hard, my eyes closing briefly and my breathing speeding as I tried to control myself.
At that moment in time I knew this whole situation could well turn out to be both the best and worst thing to ever happen to me, all at the same time.
Okay…how bad would it be to admit that I recognise that ass…?
I'm so going to hell…
Fuck….
A/N: Is everyone still with me? I did warn you, that boy does enjoy a long hot shower… I'd love to know what you think! S&S x