by J. A. Rawls
“I’ll handle it. Thanks Jana, I really do appreciate your confidence in me. Don’t forget to call me for drinks when you have time.”
As Cheryl left, Charlie congratulated her. He knew she was now second in command to Jana, and if one cougar was good, two were better.
Mike passed Cheryl in the lobby and offered a friendly, “Busy day?”
Her smile was one of excitement and mystery. “Like you wouldn’t believe,” she said.
Before he could reply Cheryl was on her way down the hall, a new bounce evident in her business pumps. He turned to Charlie. “Jana wanted to see me.”
“Yes, she did. I’ll announce you.” Charlie buzzed Jana, “Mike’s here, do you want me to send him in?”
“That would be great. Give us some time Charlie; I don’t think my next meeting starts for an hour or so. Put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door and unless we are on fire I don’t want to be disturbed, understand?”
“You got it. Mike you can go in and for your info she has about an hour then she has another meeting.” Charlie glanced in the foyer and lowered his voice, “If it was me I’d lock the door behind me when I closed it, just a suggestion.”
Six
An hour should be sufficient. Mike leaned back against the door to lock it as it closed.
Jana’s head jerked at the slight click of the lock. “Did you lock my door?”
“Yes, I did. Is that a problem?”
“No, I guess not,” she leaned back in her chair, “if Charlie needs me he can buzz me on the intercom.”
“He won’t need you for at least an hour.”
Jana licked her lips, consciously or unconsciously, she didn’t know. “And you know this... How?”
“He told me when he said I could come in without knocking.”
“He’s getting rather liberal with my privacy. Is there something you need?”
“Need, no, want…desire…lust after, yes.”
Jana’s face paled from the comment. “You can’t be serious; this is a place of business.”
“We are both well aware of that, but the way I see it...you have some free time right now and need to wind down...and I have some free time too, so we should spend some of that free time taking care of each other.”
“Really, one night of –”
“Wait, it was one night and one morning.”
“Okay, one night and one morning,” she couldn’t keep the smile from her face, “does not give you the right to walk into my office and keep me from my work.”
“You’re right. The real reason I’m here is to ask if I can take you away from all of this.”
“You mean away from the office? What are you talking about? Did I miss something?”
“Let me start again.” He patted his suit coat. “I have in my left breast pocket two tickets to Las Vegas, leaving tomorrow afternoon. I would like you to go with me and spend the weekend. We can play tourist. I have a little work to do with my Uncle, but other than that my time will be free. We can stay with my aunt and uncle.”
Jana reclined in her executive chair and warily eyed him. “Wait just a minute, you want me to drop everything and leave with you tomorrow for Las Vegas for the weekend, you already bought the tickets and have it all planned out? Your Aunt and Uncle?”
“Yea, uh...well, I bought tickets so my brother and I could fly out there for the weekend and do some bonding while I got a few things straightened out for my business venture. He called this morning and he has a business trip he can’t get out of, so I have an extra ticket. I called the airline and I can change the ticket to your name. Will you go with me to Las Vegas for the weekend?” He saw her mind working.
Her head fell back and her eyes closed. There was a moment of silence and then she placed her hands flat on her desk. “You know what, yes I will go.”
“That’s great! We leave at 3:15 tomorrow. We can just play tourist if that works for you.”
“It does, with one slight change. I’m not staying with your aunt and uncle. I’ll call Sam at the Venetian and see if we can get a room on short notice. He’s always helped me in the past and maybe, just maybe, we can get the rooms for nothing.”
“That would be great, but it isn’t necessary.”
“Look, Mike, if I go I want to stay at the Venetian, take it or leave it.”
“Oh, I’ll definitely take it. Call your friend Sam,” Mike reluctantly agreed.
“Sam’s not a friend. He’s a Player Development Representative for the hotel.”
“I’ll bite, what exactly is that?”
“Basically because I go to Las Vegas regularly, and I stay at the Venetian, they get a lot of my playing dollars; I love to play the slots. Anyway I get a lot of offers to stay there up to three nights for free, and I take advantage of them when I can. Let me call Sam and see what he can do?”
As Jana made the call Mike walked around the office taking in the collection of little boxes she had. They were very ornate. I need to ask Charlie about these. I want to get her something to remember our time together; maybe something like this would be good. As he picked up one of the boxes something rattled inside. Jelly beans; is this some type of joke? He set down one box and picked up another, and sure enough there were six jelly beans inside. Something else I need to ask Charlie about.
“Sam, this is Jana Gates, I hate to bother you but I’m wondering if it would be possible to get a room, king size bed, non-smoking, for three nights beginning tomorrow. I know it’s late but I really hope you can help me.”
“Jana, it’s good to hear from you again, let me check. We have a convention in town, but let me see if we have any cancellations.”
Jana could hear the typing of the keyboard in the background. I hope he can make this happen, it would make a great trip for Mike and me, and she longingly sighed for concurrence of her plan.
“We can accommodate you for the three nights. Will you be traveling alone?”
“No, I’ll have a friend with me. Thanks, Sam I really appreciate your help on this. I do have a couple of small favors to ask though.”
“Sure, whatever I can do to help.”
“Will you see if you can get us two tickets to the Phantom, Gold Circle center seats, for Friday night and dinner reservations at Delmonico Steakhouse for 9:30 p.m.? If you can make those two things happen just include the details in your e-mail with my room confirmation number.”
“Do you want me use the credit card I have on file?”
“Yes, and Sam, thanks again for everything.” Hanging up the phone she turned and saw Mike standing by the window, his shoulders slumped.. “What’s wrong?”
“Jana, I didn’t want you to take me to Las Vegas, I wanted to take you.”
“You are taking me, you got the tickets.”
“True, but you’re making it a vacation experience.”
“No, what I’m doing is what I always do when I go to Vegas. Mike, please just go with me and enjoy yourself. It’ll be fun. We can sleep in, enjoy the big tub in the bathroom, or play in the shower, they have both and they are big enough for two people.” Her eyes twinkled at the thought of her and Mike in that multi-head marble shower.
“But, Jana, it’s not right. I should be paying for this trip, not you. You’re my guest.”
“Tell you what, you put that male ego in your pocket and we can make this trip. If not, I won’t go and you and your ego can have a good time–alone.”
Mike reached out, pulled her into his arms and kissed her. His tongue explored the inner recesses of her mouth, tasting a unique licorice taste, even though he didn’t make the connection between it and the contents of the little boxes around her office. He continued to nibble on her lips, her chin and down her neck. Opening her silk blouse, he felt the lace of her bra and smiled. “I’ve got the panties that go with this bra.”
She stepped back, “You’ve got what?”
“I’ve got the panties that match this lovely bra.”
“That actually explain
s a lot.” She laughed as she remembered how confused she’d been that morning when she’d thought she’d taken both from her lingerie drawer. “I thought I was having a senior moment. I put out my clothes this morning and I couldn’t find the panties anywhere. I finally picked another pair from the drawer. How’d you do that?” She pointed her finger at the panties with a ‘how could you’ look.
“Like you said, you laid them on the bed and as I was leaving I picked them up and put them in my pocket.” His boyish grin continued as he pulled the panties from his pocket.
Jana reached for them. “Give me those.”
“No, you can’t have them, at least not yet.”
“They’re mine. What do you mean I can’t have them, yet?” They were both laughing now.
“I want to put them on you, and I didn’t have time this morning.”
“Mike, I have panties on, thank you very much.” She reached down and began buttoning her blouse.
“Not so fast. I want to make love to you, here, now, and when we’re done I’ll put these panties on you, and I’ll take the ones you have on with me.”
Jana placed her hands on her hips and stomped her foot. “This is my office! We’re not going to make love in here.”
“Yes, we are, right here, right now.” Mike backed her into her desk and slowly lifted her, balancing her on his leg and the edge of the desk. He kissed her again, removing her jacket and blouse at the same time. With unbridled lust he kissed her breasts through the lace as Jana steadied herself on the desk. He kissed down her body, slowly working her skirt up around her waist. She couldn’t resist yielding to his passion.
He gently pulled down her panties leaving them dangling from her ankle. Parting her nether lips with his fingers he was intoxicated by her womanly musk.
Jana tried to move away, but her struggle only enhanced the contact as she slid from the desk top forcing his face closer to her nexus of desire.
Mike kissed his way back to her hips. As he rose he unhooked the bra, licking, sucking and repeatedly arousing her nipples with his teeth.
She inhaled deeply as he moved from side to side. Jana leaned forward reaching for his belt, unzipping his pants, letting them fall to the carpet. The briefs, though still on did not impede his erection which was already exposed. He was more than ready for her.
Jana moved forward as his hands braced her backside and he entered her in one easy motion. She was ready and within seconds she climaxed, tightening her legs around his waist.
Feeling their mutual heat, Mike moved faster, increasing the friction between them.
She cried out as Mike erupted, exploding both mentally and physically. Jana fell forward onto his chest as he held her close.
Mike leaned back, taking a hard look at the woman he’d just made love to. This woman was phenomenal. She is sexy, stimulating and I can’t get enough of her. “Do you want me to put your matching panties on you now?” he pleaded.
“Yes, but not just yet, let me clean up first.” She started to walk toward the bathroom and Mike stopped her.
“No, you relax in your chair and I’ll get a damp cloth; I’ll be right back.”
Jana closed her eyes and let her head fall back, completely satisfied. I just made love in my office with a young, good looking, accountant. She smiled. I can’t believe I just did that. I wonder if he can do it again, now.
Mike walked back into the office and knelt before her. “Allow me, please.”
“Okay,” she murmured as Mike wiped the love juices from between her legs with the warm cloth.
“Thank you.” Mike took the peach panties out of his pocket and helped her put them on. He stood, bringing her out of the chair and into his arms. “That was fantastic. You are the sexiest woman I’ve ever met. Our hour is almost up and before Charlie breaks down the door I need to finish dressing and let you get back to work. I’ll meet you here at 6:30 so we can go to dinner.”
She purred, “Yes, I’ll see you then.” Jana was astounded. In all of my life I‘ve never made love in my office, but I definitely need to do it more. What a therapeutic relaxer. Wow! She watched Mike walk to the door twirling her discarded satin panties in his left hand. He held them to his nose inhaling her scent and then placed them in his suit pocket as he opened the door whistling, off key. Laughing, she directed her concentration back to her job, retrieving the file she needed for her next meeting. Okay, fun’s over, back to work.
Mike stopped by Charlie’s desk once again. He looked around, ensured they were alone and whispered. “I’ve got another question?”
“Shoot, but hurry I need to get her to the next meeting.”
“What are the little black beans in those boxes in her office? What’s up with that?”
Charlie laughed, “Jelly Bellies, licorice Jelly Bellies, she craves them. She doesn’t obsess about them, but when she’s nervous you’ll see her put two or three in her mouth. She loves them, and yes they make her physically ill at times if she eats too many, but she loves them. Why?”
“I noticed them in a couple of the boxes, and though I thought they were jelly beans I couldn’t figure out why they were there. It reminds me of a squirrel storing nuts.”
“I guess it could be perceived that way, but I’m actually the one who puts them in all the little containers. She knows they’re in there, and once in a while I’ll find them empty and refill them. She has a stash in her desk drawer, and I know she keeps them at her house too. Is everything okay with her?”
“We didn’t discuss this morning’s events, but I think she’s fine. She’s relaxed and our talk was exactly what she needed,” Mike stared at her door.
“That’s good news, as her next meeting, based on the rumor mill, won’t go any better. She’s meeting with your replacement.”
Mike shrugged, “I’ve tried to give him some pointers, but he isn’t listening. She can handle him without a doubt. Take care.”
“Again, thanks for being there for her, she needed some down time.” At least Charlie hoped it was down time. Mike appeared to be relaxed and he hoped Jana was in the same state of mind.
Charlie remembered to knock, waited a few seconds, and then entered her office. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Jana was sitting at her desk reviewing the proposal Sean had sent up. “What do you think of Sean’s recommendations?”
“Can’t say I’m surprised, but it’s not what I want. I’ll have to get him to adjust his way of thinking or I’ll call his boss and ask for a replacement.”
“Cheryl’s secretary said all parties were in the conference room waiting for you. Are you ready?”
“Sure, join me on this one. Follow my lead, okay.”
“Not a problem.” Charlie followed her into the conference room. Oh no! That idiot is sitting in Jana’s chair. Has he lost his mind? Charlie waited, watching her take another seat at the table.
Jana noticed Sean in her chair and she didn’t skip a beat. She sat down next to Cheryl, and Charlie took the seat next to her. Sean looked at Cheryl, “Is everyone here?”
“Yes, everyone’s here,” Cheryl looked at Jana who nodded to get the meeting started. I love it when she breaks in a newbie.
“I guess the boss isn’t going to make it, so let’s get started. For those of you I’ve not met, my name is Sean Bisbee. I’m taking Mike’s place and I wanted an opportunity to lay some ground rules on where we go from here.” He noticed the blonde to his right. Very pretty, a little old for my taste, but very pretty. “From the reports I’ve reviewed you aren’t using enough accounting information to make valid decisions. Seems to me, and this is nothing against Mike, but it appears there have been some short cuts taken that need to be rectified immediately. The folders in front of you lay out my plan, and as of right now these are the reports you will receive.”
Jana grimaced. Another accountant who’s only training was from a textbook and who has no idea that companies today need more than lag indicator information. I’ll just let him continue to dig his own hole.
“Are there any questions?”
Jana touched Cheryl’s leg under the table, indicating she wanted her to ask questions. “Sean, what’s wrong with what we’re getting today? That information has been very helpful in projecting my needs of people and finances.”
“That’s true, but you can get the same info by running some standard ratio comparisons on the financial statements I’ve provided.”
“I don’t want to have to do that. I want that information readily available and the reports Mike set up do exactly that. I don’t have to do any additional calculations. I can also break it down by each of my branches and by individual. The financial statements are at too high a level for me, our boss needs that info from a corporate perspective, but I don’t. If you want my opinion, the reports we get now are exactly what we need.” The other division chiefs all nodded in agreement.
“That isn’t standard accounting practice and based on the services my company provides that is what the ‘Statement of Work’ calls for, nothing more.”
Again, Cheryl chimed in, disbelieving his last comment, “You’re saying you don’t intend to provide this information in the future because it’s not in your contract?”
“That’s correct. I see no flexibility in this area, and though I haven’t discussed it with Mr. Nixon, I’m sure he’d agree.”
“Young man,” Jana’s mouth tightened with each word. “I assure you Mr. Nixon knows exactly what Mike was providing, and is in full agreement that it fits within the contract scope.”
“No, I’m sure he doesn’t, as his direction to me, when he gave me this job, was how important standardization was to controlling costs, and that this company was concerned with rising costs and wanted them cut.”
Jana stared down the young accountant. “Do you know everyone in this room?”
“Well no, I haven’t had time to meet everyone.”
Jana nodded, “Okay, fair enough, let’s take a few minutes to introduce ourselves so Sean knows who is responsible for what. Cheryl, go ahead and start.” The division chief’s introduced themselves, identifying their work and what they did to support the company. Lastly, Jana stood, walking to the head of the table where Sean was seated. “I, young man,” she emphasized each syllable, “am Jana Gates, CEO for this company and your bill payer. You are in my seat. MOVE!”