Chapter 34
Guilt Free
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Arriving back at the office we first went straight up to our apartment to change into work clothes, when we were done we headed back downstairs. Carlos, or I should say Ranger, since we were now back at Rangeman, walked me to my office. I kissed him goodbye and he headed to his own office.
I sat down at my desk and took out the prospective sales file folders and began organizing my leads. Tank walked in while I was in the middle of typing up my letters to the businesses that we would not be serving.
"Hey Steph, you doing okay?" He asked as he sat down in the chair facing me.
"I'm good, just getting started on my sales leads. How about you?" I answered.
"Doing okay. It's good to have you back, we missed you, especially me. This building isn't the same without you." Tank said smiling at me.
"Aww, shucks Tankie, I'm gonna start blushing if you keep it up." I said laughing at the death stare that appeared on his face, I couldn't resist calling him Tankie.
"You need help with the sales leads?" Tank asked.
"No not yet, Ranger and I went over them yesterday. Right now I'm working on the letters for the companies we're not going to service then I'll get started on scheduling my appointments with the prospective clients." I explained.
"Okay, Steph, I'm right around the corner." He stood up and walked out the door with a big smile on his face. I adore that man, he's a big fluff ball in spite of his rough exterior and huge build.
"Thanks Tank" I said and continued with my letters.
After I finished sending the letters to the companies that we were not going to service, I began the phone calls and received great responses. I was busy working when I felt the all familiar tingle and looked up to see Ranger standing in the doorway staring at me.
"Hey, you checking up on me?" I asked my boss.
"Yep, checking to see if you're hungry." He answered.
"Is it that time? Wow, I was so engrossed in my work I didn't realize the time. Yeah I'm a little hungry."
"The beast must be on vacation. Do you want to eat upstairs?" He asked as he sat stood with his back against the door frame and arms crossed at his chest looking pretty damn sexy in that position.
"Honey, how about we eat down here and hang out with the guys, I think it would be nice."
"May I escort Ms. Plum to lunch then?" my chivalrous Batman asked.
I stood up taking his hand and walked out of my office making our way to the break room. Ranger and I decided on Ella's chicken and vegetable casserole with a salad. He took the food and joined Hector and Junior at a table while I picked up bottled water for the both of us.
We had a nice lunch. I didn't realize how funny Junior was, I think he's appointed himself as the jokester while Lester is out, which is fine with me since this place seems so empty without him. How can one man fill an entire building with his presence? After we finished eating, Junior got up and cleared the table. When he came back I talked about our trip and told the guys how beautiful Barbados was and thought of a great idea I wanted to discuss with the core team, not sure if it would fly but it's worth a try. I'll send the team an email about my idea when I get back to my desk.
"Well gentlemen, I have to get back to work. I don't want to get in trouble with the boss." I announced with a smile. My boss gave me a stare shaking his head and I felt his eyes on me as I sashayed my ass out of the break room grinning from ear to ear.
"Hey bomber, how's it going?" Hal asked as we passed in the hallway.
"Good Hal, just finished having lunch and on my way back to work. Are you going to lunch?"
"Yeah bomber, I'm starving." He said patting his belly.
"Ha, ha, have a good lunch." I replied and walked to my office.
I made myself comfortable and sent an email to the core team to request a meeting and continued making phone calls. When I finished scheduling my appointments for the rest of the week and the following week, I entered the dates and company names in the shared calendar. This was something that Lester established so that we all are aware of the leadership team schedule.
I was looking over my schedule and it dawned on me I needed to go shopping for appropriate business suits. I didn't feel like asking Lula or Connie and Marylou would be busy with her family since they had been gone over Thanksgiving. I quickly called Isabella Manoso to see if she wanted to join me, I really felt like spending some time with her.
"Hi Isabella, how are you?"
"Oh my dear Stephanie, I am so glad to hear from you, I was going to call you and Carlos tonight. I am well, how about you?"
"Your son and I are doing well. Listen, I need to go shopping for some business suits and was wondering if you'd like to go with me." I asked my future mother-in-law.
"I would love to join you; I need a night out." She said.
"I can leave here in about a half hour to pick you up, then we can head over to The Mall at Short Hills. What do you think?" I asked.
"That's perfect my dear, we'll shop and have dinner together. Will Carlos be with you?"
"I'm not sure yet, I haven't spoken to him. If he does, he can hang out with his dad while we shop unless Ricardo has plans for the night."
"I don't think he has made plans, I'll ask him. Just let me know if Carlos decides to come with you and I'll tell Ricardo he can spend time with his son."
I couldn't help but smile at hearing the excitement in her voice.
"Okay, I'll check with him now and call you right back." I said ending the call.
Knowing my sweet man, he isn't about to let me drive to his parents' house alone, so I am quite sure he'll join me. He hates shopping so I'll have some quality time with Isabella. I called Carlos.
"What's up Babe?"
"I need to go shopping for business attire for my upcoming appointments. I called and asked your mom if she'd like to go with me and she said yes." I explained.
"What time did you have in mind?" He asked.
"I was planning on leaving in about a half hour for your parents' house to pick up your mom and then head over to the mall in Short Hills."
"Okay, I'm about finished up with my paperwork, we can drive together."
"That works, your dad will probably be home and you can hang out with him. I'll call your mom and let her know."
I quickly called Isabella and informed her that Carlos and I will drive to their house together and she told me that Ricardo would be home.
"Honey, your dad will be home while your mom and I are shopping and stop for dinner you spend the evening with your dad. I'll buzz you when I'm ready to go." I informed him with authority.
"Okay." He answered with a slight laugh.
I finished up my work, shut down my computer and left my office.
"Hey boss, I'm going upstairs to change and freshen up before we leave."
"Okay Babe, I'll be up in a few minutes."
I took the elevator to our apartment. I fed Rex, chatted with him a little bit watched him as he stuffed his mouth with food before running back into his little house. He loves listening to my stories. I quickly fixed my hair, touched up my make-up and put on a pair of leggings with a long sweater. I took my boots out to the living room and stood smiling at the sight in front of me. Carlos was feeding and talking to Rex. I heard him say something about "your crazy momma and her last minute shopping trip." I couldn't stop from laughing at him, it was so cute.
"That has got to be one of the cutest things I've ever seen you do." I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist.
"Babe, cute? I don't think so." He turned around and kissed me.
"Hurry and go change so we can leave." I ordered.
"Yes boss." He slapped my ass and walked off to change while I put on my boots and called Ella telling her we weren't going to be here for dinner. Carlos finished changing and came out taking my hand and we headed out.
The drive was filled with talk about work such as how our day went. I told him I was nervous about doing the sales calls and as always he knew what to say.
"Steph, you have the personality that wins people over. I have no doubt what so ever that you will do well. Don't be nervous, you will excel, I have faith in you."
"Thanks honey."
The rest of the drive consisted of small talk, he gave me some ideas of what style suits I should look for and a little bit of silence. I still can't get over him being so conversational. I looked at my calendar to figure out when I can schedule my date with Marcus because I know that he's going to be bugging me about it. I figured I would pick a Saturday so we could spend the day together and have him spend the night with us.
"Carlos, one week from this Saturday is open and I was thinking about spending the day with Marcus and asking if he could spend the night, does that work for you?"
"It's your date Babe." He replied.
I sent Alicia a text.
Hey Alicia
One week from this Saturday I'd like to spend the day with Marcus and have him spend the night. I promised him a date, is that okay with you?
Steph.
She replied a few minutes later
Steph,
That works, if you're sure about him spending the night that's fine with Michael and me.
Alicia.
I informed Carlos that it was set and put it in my calendar and shared it with his. A few minutes later we arrived at the Manoso house. As soon as we got to the door my future father-in-law greeted us. After hugs and kisses were exchanged we went in to the living room. We sat down and Abuela Rosa joined us on the couch between Carlos and myself kissing us both. A few minutes later Isabella came into the room and not wasting any time with chit chat, she kissed Carlos, then hugged and kissed me.
"Okay daughter-in-law, we've got shopping to do." She took my hand and led me to the door. I forgot I didn't drive so I turned back and Carlos met me handing me the car keys and giving me a kiss goodbye.
"Don't go crazy Babe."
Isabella and I drove to the mall which was about 30 minutes from their house.
"Stephanie, do you want to eat first?"
"Yep, that works."
We decided on Cheesecake Factory for dinner, we each selected an entrée to split. Isabella ordered Chicken Bellagio and I chose Shepherd's Pie, we shared the large portions. And what would dinner be without dessert. I told Isabella to order the dessert and she chose Lemoncello Cream Torte. Layers of Vanilla Cake and Lemon Mascarpone Cream with Streusel on top and served with Strawberries and Whipped Cream. It was an excellent choice, absolutely delicious and moan worthy my future mother-in-law was trying so hard not to laugh in the middle of my moaning but she couldn't keep it in any longer and she just laughed. Her laugh is so addicting I felt compelled to join in. There was a table of business men close to us and they kept looking over our way and laughed right along with us, one of the men raised his glass and we did the same.
"Stephanie, you sure do attract the men." She said laughing.
"I didn't do anything. How do you know it's not you that caught their eye?" I replied smiling deviously. She looked at me laughing and we continued eating our dessert. Our conversation consisted of Barbados, Christmas and New Years and an engagement party. I told her about my mom and she was stunned when I told her how she treated me. She took on a look of anger that I have not seen from her.
"Oh my dear, I am so sorry she treated you like that, I pray that she'll come around one of these days." She said as she held my hand. As I watched her, I noticed the look on her face was that of someone planning something.
"What is going on in your mind Isabella?" I asked her.
"Oh, nothing, simply thinking about how your mom treated you. I'm sorry I don't want to speak badly of her but she's just evil." She answered. I shrugged my shoulders and brushed it off. What surprised me was there were no tears building, my mother is no longer in control of my feelings.
Our server brought our check and I took care of the bill with Isabella arguing with me.
"If your son finds out I let you pay for dinner, he would have a fit and you know it." I informed my mother-in-law and she shook her head and smiled. Chalk one up for me. We made a quick stop at the rest room then proceeded into the mall to shop.
After a couple of hours, I had managed to boost the local economy with the purchase of three suits, numerous skirts, blouses, pants, dresses and of course shoes and several items from VS. While I was shopping, I found jeans and casual shirts for Carlos. I stopped off at the Lego store and bought some things for Marcus. We passed by the Build-a-Bear store to build bears for Martha's girls because I was going to see her this week. Isabella and I together built our bears and picked out some really cute girlie outfits. I have to admit, it was fun and relaxing. We went through the naming process and waited for the birth certificates to print up. We decided on Lucy and Ethel for the names. I hope the girls like the bears.
My phone alerted a text.
Babe, buying out the entire mall?
No smart ass, just half of it, leaving soon.
I showed Isabella the text.
"That son of mine can't be away from you for too long." She said smiling.
"Yeah, I think he loves me a little." I told her with a little giggle.
She put her arm in mine and we headed towards the exit near Cheesecake Factory to go to our car and my sweet mother-in-law pulled closer to me.
"Stephanie, I am so happy that you and my Carlito finally found your way to each other. You survived a scary ordeal and have gone through much throughout your life. I want you to know how much I love you and if I could hand pick my daughter-in-law I couldn't find one that would come close to you." She said sweetly.
I felt warm and loved right at that very moment with her words.
"I am so blessed to have you in my life Isabella and you fill the void that my mother has created. I am thankful for your love and friendship." I replied as I kissed her lightly on the cheek and I saw her eyes shimmer with light tears.
We got to our SUV, put the bags in the cargo area and made our way to the Manoso house to an anxiously waiting Carlos. He hugged me as if I had been gone days instead of hours. We all sat on the couch and talked. Abuela Rosa had already gone to bed and after about a half hour Carlos suggested we leave and head back home. Hugs and kisses were exchanged before we walked out the door to our car and drove out of the neighborhood.
"Did you buy anything for me Babe?" he asked with a devilish look on his face.
"Oh yeah, I found some jeans and shirts for you." I told him knowing that was not what he was talking about.
"That's not what I meant smart ass." He replied with a light growl.
"Yeah, yeah, there's a VS bag in the back."
"Good to know." He replied smiling.
"Did you enjoy the evening with your dad and Abuela Rosa?"
"Yes I did, Abuela was tired so she went to bed early. It was nice to spend some time with my dad."
"Good" I said as I put my hand on his neck and rubbed it softly. We made the drive in light conversation. Once we got home we went straight upstairs to our apartment. As much as I love this place, it gets a little old living where we work, it'll be nice to have our own house.
"Babe, model the outfits for me?"
"Seriously, you just want to see the VS items don't you?" I asked.
"Suits Babe, suits."
I took the bags into the closet and put on the first suit which was a turquoise two-piece with black trim, it was slightly form fitting. I put on the matching shoes and walked into the living room as if I was a runway model. Carlos let out a few whistles giving me his approval. After I showed him the other suits, skirts and blouses, I was left with one black double breasted coat dress with long sleeves. I think it was my favorite out of all that I bought. Surprisingly my boss liked it the most.
"That's all you're going to see; the other things you'll see in due time." I informed my sexy Cuban who had a wolfish look on his face. He laughed and I walked back to the closet and put the clothes into the dry cleaning basket for Ella to take care of. I have somethings to hold me over for the lower end appointments for this week, but definitely need them in time for my high dollar appointment.
I put on my satin boy shorts and camisole and walked back to the living room. Carlos was in the kitchen pouring each of us a glass of wine which he carried to the couch and we sat and talked for a little while. We discussed Martha and the transition to the townhouse, hiring Val as her caregiver and all the details that we need to have in place.
After we finished up our second glass of wine, I took his hand and led him to the bedroom, I was feeling playful. Typically when we go to bed, we usually talk about our day and after we finish that part of our nightly ritual we move on to bigger and better things. Since we had already discussed our day on the ride to the Manoso house we were going to get started on my favorite part of the day. Oh yeah, I am going to be a happy girl tonight.
I may have initiated the start of a playful evening but let me say that my sexy Cuban was extremely attentive and loving. He made sure that every nook and cranny of my body was satisfied, he didn't miss a single spot and I can tell you I surprised him last night.
During a girls shopping trip in Barbados, I bought the Kama Sutra book. The 2,000-year-old Kama Sutra is considered to be the most famous work on erotic pleasure created. This interpretation of the Hindu sex classic features several explicit positions that are really easy to follow, each illustrated by color photographs, step-by-step instructions, and difficulty ratings which is perfect for me. From slow and gentle to fast and intense, the positions that satisfy every mood and sexual need are designed to heighten pleasure from both a man's and woman's perspective. Chapters explore the body, senses, mood, foreplay, and oral sex, allowing creative ways to bring new levels of eroticism into lovemaking.
I have the book very well hidden and study it from time to time without my ever so smart man knowing. I decided I was ready to try one of the positions. I told Carlos what I wanted to do and described it to him and his face showed excitement. The heat of his bare chest beneath my hands and the hardness of his arousal against my body made sensual desire roar to life within me.
Everything the book said about the pleasure we would feel was 100% accurate.
We were both extremely satisfied after our evening of passion and wild love making. I slept like a baby and woke up before the alarm with a huge smile on my face. I quickly used the bathroom, when I was finished, I stood watching the gorgeous sexy hunk lying in the bed. I was feeling playful and I woke him up to kisses and initiating morning sex.
"Babe." He purred as I kissed my way down his chest and abs, followed down to his oblique's how I love his O's and bam he was all mine. I looked up to see a lustful smile on his face and continued on with my labor of love as I took in his wonderful taste. When I was finished, I kissed my way back up to his lips and in one swoop he flipped me on my back and had his way with me. The alarm sounded on his phone, yeah that's how early I woke up, and we got out of bed and together we took a shower to get ready for our day.
A breakfast staff meeting was scheduled for this morning so I made coffee and we sat on the couch for a few minutes drinking.
"Babe, last night where…."
I quickly interrupted him. "You didn't like it?" I asked knowing full well he did but wanting to avoid the conversation for fear I'd spill the beans about the book. Not ready for him to know about it yet.
"On the contrary my dear."
He kissed me and took my hand, "Let's get started with our day Ms. Plum."
"Yes boss" I replied as I slapped his very nice tight ass while we walked out the door to the elevator.
I chose my double breasted coat dress with sheer black thigh high stockings and black shoes. I wanted to keep it simple, partially pinned up my hair and little jewelry. I read a book about being a success in sales and one of the things the author had written was to keep your dress simple and professional. If you walk into a business all glammed up or drive up in a luxury vehicle it gives the impression that your services will be too expensive, which made sense to me.
Carlos approved of my look but the guys, wow they really liked the look, there were compliments thrown out all over the place. I felt confident that I chose the right outfit but the best reaction came from one sweet little man, Marcus, who was running around saying goodbye to everyone before he went off to school.
"Wowie wow, wow, Bomber you look goshus. Where are you going?" He asked as he walked over to me. I had to remember for a second there that his word for gorgeous is goshus, that still cracks me up.
"I have appointments today sweetie. Thank you for the nice words Marcus, they made me feel extra special." I said hugging him.
"When we go on our date, will you be goshus for me?" He asked ever so sweetly.
"I sure will Mini B, I promise." I said smiling at him.
"Hey now Marcus, I don't want you stealing her away from me." Carlos threw in.
"Oh Batman, I'm not strong enough to steal her from you but I will when I'm all grown." Said the voice of innocence and we all smiled.
"Oh Marcus by the way, not this Saturday but next Saturday we are going on our date and how would you like to spend the night with us?" I asked a very happy young boy.
"Mom, can I, can I, can I?" he asked his mom excitedly.
"Yes sweetheart you can." Alicia told her son. He kissed his mom and ran down the hall waving.
"See ya, I'm off to school now." And off he went with Alicia running after him. Sheesh, that boy has tons of energy. I sure do love that little guy.
It's amazing how much he has changed since his health has become stable. He seems to have matured to his age level and his speech therapy is working well. He still slips up from time to time with some words but he's grown leaps and bounds.
"Okay, staff meeting in 5." Tank announced.
We made our way to the large conference room where Ella had just finished setting up the breakfast items which consisted of breakfast burritos, bagels with cream cheese and fresh fruit. The buffet included coffee, tea, juice and bottled water. We sure are spoiled around this place, there is no denying that.
I read over the agenda and 'Steph's idea' was listed. First order of business was Manny via video live stream.
"So the two fools are being released tomorrow and according to the Police Chief, he will escort them directly to the airport for their flight back home. I already have the flight information and have booked my seat behind them. I'll have eyes on them at all times." Manny reported.
"Do not let them out of your sight, if they go to the bathroom during flight, you follow." Ranger ordered.
"Yes boss." Manny answered.
"Manny, I've put two teams together, Ramon and Junior as well as Woody and Binky, they will be at the airport, Cal will pick you up on arrival." Tank explained.
"Got it." Manny answered and he turned his attention to me.
"Wifey, got someone who wants to talk to you" and he waved Sade over to him.
"Stephanie, hello, how are you? Hello Carlos, I hope you both are doing well." Sade said with her sweet genuine smile.
"Hi, we are fine, just trying to get back to reality. I miss Barbados." I told my new friend.
"Sade, we are fine. Now listen feel free to stay at the house as long as you like, don't feel like you have to leave when everyone else does." Carlos told her.
"Oh Carlos, that is a generous offer. I can't accept it, I'd be wearing out my welcome." Sade answered.
"It's up to you, let Steph or I know so we can advise the staff."
"Thank you so much, I'll see. Who knows maybe I'll just hop on the plane with Manny." Sade replied smiling. Hummm, I thought to myself with a smile.
"Okay Manny, go do your thing, we have a meeting to get on with." Tank said. Manny signed off and we continued the meeting.
We went over my sales schedules. Hector was going to join me on the appointments in order to survey the buildings to get a better idea of what was needed. I love the idea of Hector teaming up with me. We discussed the new high dollar skips, I told the guys that I would help with research if they needed it. They just need to let me know.
I discussed my idea with the leadership team. I thought that for Christmas we could hold some type of contest for six of the staff members to receive a trip to Barbados for 10 days. The team liked the idea. Ranger and Tank were going to come up with the contest guidelines and present it to the leadership team meeting next week.
One and half hours later, our meeting was over and we each went our respective ways. Hector told me he'd be ready for me in about fifteen minutes. I walked my boss and Tank to their offices.
"Little girl, good luck today I know you'll do great." Tank said as he kissed me lightly on the cheek. I walked Carlos into his office.
"Have a great day boss. I will see you later okay?" I said as I kissed him.
"Babe, you'll be great, I can see the nervousness building." My intuitive, boss, best friend, lover, fiancé and oh so many other titles I can use to describe him.
"I'll be fine once I get to my first call." I answered and walked out of the office. I made my way to the control room to let them know I was leaving and took the elevator to the garage to an awaiting Hector. Always the gentleman, he was standing by the passenger door and opened it for me and we were on our way to my first sales call.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
A/N:
Thank you all for the nice comments, reviews and messages. I greatly appreciate it.
As always, I don't own the characters, they belong to JE, the storyline, mistakes and goof ups are all mine.
The information on The Kama Sutra book was pulled off the internet. I have never read the book nor experimented.
SO the next chapter will cover, someone paying Helen Plum a surprise visit in the hospital. Also Martha and her girls and Stephanie's date with her special little man.
I'll be posting pictures or I should say, Susan Peters will be posting the pictures of the outfits Stephanie bought on her shopping spree on Pinterest, I just have to remember my board name and login information. I'm so bad about remembering all that stuff.
And last but not least, a HUGE thank you to Susan Peters, I really appreciate you.