Hi everyone! I've been trying to build out the Rachel and Adam story for a while... but I just can't make myself do it, hahaha! So here's a series of one shots for our true favourite endgame couple, Rachel and Eddie. Reviews would be very welcome as always! :) xx
Professionals, naturally
"Shouldn't you be teaching?"
"I have a free period," came the muffled response from the shallow of her neck. The warm, soft touch of his lips graced her. They were not where they were meant to be at lunchtime on a weekday, nor were the hands that had gently snaked her waist. She pretended to ignore his affections, though briskly closed her eyes in secret submission to the small, longing kisses that peppered her. Rachel abruptly recalled their location, and purposefully shut the filling cabinet draw as a means of distraction.
"And what about the forecast paperwork?" She turned under his palms to face Eddie, accosting him in her best authoritative voice. In these four walls they were to remain diplomatic. Professional. He wasn't to have his free-reign way with her here.
"Oh shush for a minute, Rach," came his innocent rebuttal as he lovingly admired her. His gentle hand graced her cheek, tucking a stray thread of her silky auburn hair back from her face. A restful quiet fell on them as she softened to his touch. He had a calming effect on her, something that tamed the flames. "It is Friday, you know."
"You're pushing it today, you know that?" Rachel broke quietly into a small scoff, lips pursing into a coy smile. No other member of staff could get away with such cheek.
"Am I?" Eddie mocked, unable to resist the opportunity he had afforded her. He got a kick knowing he had her adoringly wrapped around his finger. In her eyes he could do no wrong, and he loved it.
"Yes, and you know it," declared Rachel, pushing herself away from him. A mound of paperwork on the desk now commanded her attention, and she sat firmly back in her seat. Eddie remained stood in his spot like a spare part, hands back in pockets; a satisfied, smug smirk graced his features as he contemplated her. Boss Rachel was back in the room - a wholly different persona to the Rachel he was afforded away from prying eyes.
"Now go and make yourself useful. You're distracting me."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
Rachel didn't quite know the moment that she had fallen for him, but she had - and fast. Eddie had a gift of smooth words always delivered at the right time, plus a knack for affectionate reassurances, and it crippled her. Professionally he fought her corner like a knight in shining armour; personally - and behind closed doors - he buckled at her affections, worshipping the ground she walked on. To the staff he was a casual, off the cuff matter of fact guy. But with Rachel he was infatuated, obsessed, with every inch of her being and she adored him for it. She was of strong character, confident, and her teasing forever left him in the dust. He forever wondered how she always flirtatiously managed to play him at his own game.
"I need next year's forecast by four," stated Rachel, scribbling on the papers in front of her. The ask drew Eddie from his thoughts.
"Bloody hell, woman."
"Eddie…" she groaned, stern. It was a warning shot.
"Alright, it's done." Eddie surrendered, mockingly, holding up his hands. "But we're going for a drink afterwards."
It was a statement that piqued Rachel's interest, but with caution. An eyebrow raised. "Where?". He knew it would be the first question to part her lips.
"The pub."
"No way."
It was a swift interjection from Rachel who remained uncomfortable about the details of her private life remaining as staffroom gossip fodder. Twice they had been caught appearing for work a little later than usual, making a swift walk across the car park as the playground lay quiet. It was a guilty move that saw Steph Haydock blast them as the top discussion topic for the week - a situation that was met with polite, diplomatic, yet unconvincing rebuttals from Rachel when quizzed. The reality was that Steph was right; every single preposterous rumour was true. This deputy of Rachel's had become accustomed to the bare feel of her skin in the dark hours, worshipping every single curve. Their professional relationship had, true to Steph's accusation, been abandoned long ago.
"Rachel, it's old news by now. They've probably moved on to Tom's new girlfriend or something."
"Tom doesn't have a girlfriend."
"And you say you don't do staffroom gossip…"
"I don't. I overheard it actually," corrected Rachel. "Anyway, the point still stands - Tom and his other half aren't in charge."
"Oh… 'other half', hey?"
"You know what I mean."
"Well maybe, as your other half, you'll believe me when I say it's not a big deal."
"And as your boss I'm telling you that it is."
"You can't pull rank on me Rach, that's the rule. No poor shots allowed," exclaimed Eddie playfully, fostering a guilty surrendering smile from Rachel. After one night of flirtatious bickering, it had been decided that Rachel could no longer confront him with the boss card under any circumstance. For bosses didn't have deep conversations with a colleague over numerous bottles of wine, or hold knowledge of favourite takeout orders, nor be wrapped up in passionate late night trysts.
"Fine," Rachel concluded. "But we're keeping it professional."
"Come on…" groaned Eddie, making his way to her desk. His hands rested on the wood, pleading. She was not just his boss but, affectionately, his trophy; the ultimate macho prize.
"Don't even think of laying a finger on me," Rachel softly growled, her gaze catching his through her eyelashes. "That's the last thing we need Steph to see."
"And when she's gone?" Eddie asked quietly; dangerously, to which Rachel gave no response. Her deep, dark, lustful eyes conveyed all he needed to know.
"Go on. Go," Rachel ordered under her breath, cutting the heaviness that was growing between them. She couldn't take much more of him standing there. "You've got four hours."
