by J. A. Rawls
“Wait a minute, back up. When you said we were taking a trip, you meant you’re taking me with you?”
“That’s my plan, unless you have some reason you can’t go.” She drummed her pen on her desk, “Do you?”
“Hell no, I can be packed in an hour.”
“Excellent, but you’re a few days too early, let’s plan on leaving on Saturday morning and that gives us the weekend to get over the jet lag. Don’t set up any meetings until Tuesday, and we can do some sightseeing if we have time on Sunday and Monday. I need to see Cheryl, if you’ll ask her to stop by when she gets a chance this morning. I’ve got nothing on the calendar as far as meetings; in fact see if she wants to join me for lunch. If she does, go ahead and call and have it delivered for us, please.”
“I’ll take care of it. I noticed some traffic on that merger you were considering, you might want to read through the papers I left on your desk. There appears to be a couple of glitches that need to be worked before it can be finalized. You also might want to talk to Craig as his company is going to take on a small piece of the work as well.”
“Okay I’ll take a look.” After Charlie left the office Jana sat back, turned her chair slightly and gazed out the window. The cityscape was beautiful. Big fluffy clouds hung from the sky like white sheets billowing on a clothes line. The mountains in the distance were hard granite she knew, but the sun casts shades of blue, lavender, pink and gold across the valleys. Yes, this is where she belonged. Turning slowly she picked up the folder Charlie left and began to read each and every word. Her phone buzzed and she picked it up.
“Mike’s on line one,” Charlie stated.
“Thanks,” she pushed line one. “Hello handsome, how is your day going?”
“It’d be a lot better if you were here. I’ve met with Sami’s folks and looks like I’ll be on a plane day after tomorrow. My offices will be ready next week, but I’m not ready for any more people than my initial staff of five. I didn’t call to talk about work. I miss you.”
“I miss you too. I’m busy trying to arrange a trip to England and Egypt next week. I’m taking Charlie with me; he’s excited. I’m leaving Cheryl in charge which will be a first for her too. I’ve got a merger I’m trying to finalize so I’ve got to make sure everything is as I want it to be. Other than that, I’m looking forward to spending a couple of evenings with you before you head back to Vegas. Oh, I wanted to tell you since you’re coming in late I’ll leave a key with the guard here and you can pick it up before you go to my condo. I’ve got a business meeting and I’m not sure I’ll be back before you get there. I can’t wait to see you, but I need to go now.”
“I’ll see you in a couple of days. Wish I was going with you to Europe.”
“Honey, I wish you were too, in fact I was thinking the same thing not five minutes ago.”
“Actually I find it hard already to concentrate on the business when I’ve got you so embedded in my mind.”
“Snap out of it young man,” Jana scolded. “You’re a CEO, you have responsibilities. You have people counting on you. This is no longer about an accountant; this is about a company, a company depending on you to do the right thing all the time.”
“Well that makes it easier,” he laughed. “Don’t help me anymore, okay?”
“I miss you, Mike, you do what you need to do, see you in a couple of days. Take care of yourself.”
“Bye, Jana.” She’s absolutely right, this isn’t about me, it’s about my company..
Jana hung up the phone and stared at it; she hoped the days would pass quickly. She was looking forward to Mike coming back. She missed him.
*****
Lunch with Cheryl was always fun. She wasn’t a picky eater, and though Jana knew she watched her weight, she would try anything. Jana and Cheryl had been close since Cheryl came to work for her over 15 years ago. Now they were closer than ever with Cheryl being second in command. “I’m glad you could make lunch today, we’ve lot to talk about.”
“Before we start with business,” Cheryl smiled slyly, “tell me about this young man you’ve been courting around the square, so to speak.”.
“Okay, he’s started his own company in Vegas, which is where we went this weekend. He landed Brandon Inc. As his first client and he’s there now trying to make all the arrangements and hire more staff.”
“His first corporate client is Charlie’s mom?”
“Exactly, I can’t tell you what a convoluted mess that was.” Jana explained the weekend’s events, even telling Cheryl about Mike’s marriage proposal.
“You’re not going to get married-are you?” Cheryl’s tone was more worry than questioning.
“Not any time soon. But it was nice he asked. I do care about him, but not quite in that way, which is what I told him. Hell, Cheryl, we both have companies to run and that’s our immediate future. From there-who knows?” Jana sighed. “Okay, work issues. How are you coming with hiring the replacements behind Daryl and Mark?”
“I’ve done the interviews and we have a primary recommendation and an alternate for you to consider. I’ve brought the information with me so you could look it over. If you agree, we can make the offers and hopefully have both on board within the month. Both the primary and alternates are,” Cheryl hesitated, “female. Do you think that will be a problem?”
“I don’t think so, who was on your panel?”
“Julio from Inventory, Larry from Accounting, and me.”
“Two males and a female on the panel, and all your primary selections are female.” Jana bit her hip and nodded, “That does surprise me, but I guess it’s really about time don’t you think? Maybe that glass tower is beginning to shatter. I’ll take a look at your recommendations and give you an answer before the day is out. Where are these folks working now?”
“The one I’m looking at for Daryl’s position currently works for Craig.” Cheryl watched Jana’s face at the mention of Jana’s ex. “He’s not going to be happy, but she’s good really good and she wants more independence, which I know we offer. The other is fresh out of school and has never worked anywhere. Yes, I see that look, but you need to meet her and talk to her. She’s dynamic and will be great. She brings a young vitality to this firm. She’s single, she’s aggressive without being intimidating,” Cheryl smiled, “hell, she reminds me of us when we first started.”
“Tell you what, go ahead and make the offers. I’ll look them over, but I’m comfortable you know what we need to make this company a success. I want them both on a year’s probation just in case they don’t fit. They don’t cut it and we turn them loose, agreed?”
“I actually told them in the interview that was our policy, so it won’t be a surprise. I’ll hopefully know in the next couple of days when they’ll start. I’ll pass the info to Charlie.”
“Good, I’ll want to announce the selections to the firm before I leave next week. By the way, you’re in charge while Charlie and I are in Europe. On a side note, get yourself an administrative assistant to help keep your schedule straight. I can’t tell you how disorganized I’d be without Charlie. He’s indispensable, and you’ll find you won’t know how you lived without one in the past. You can’t cover all the administrative stuff and manage the company too,” Jana made eye contact, “soon Cheryl, like by the end of the week. Charlie keeps a good contact list of these folks and can assist you in making a selection.”
“OK,” Cheryl agreed, “I’ll take care of it.” They finished their salads, enjoying each other’s company talking about the trip to Europe and plans for the future.
*****
The next two days passed slowly. The dinner meeting was taking too long. She was distracted with Mike’s arrival; she knew it, but she couldn’t help herself. She caught Craig’s eye and smiled.
“Jana,” Craig asked, “do you have another engagement tonight?”
“Actually a friend is coming in and staying at my place, so I’d like to conclude this meeting and get home.”
/> “I think we’re done. You made the changes to the merger agreement and I’ve agreed, as has our attorney, so I guess we’re done. I can stop by the office in the morning with the contracts for you to sign.”
“Make it early afternoon,” she smiled.
“I’ll be there at one and we can put this one to bed.” Craig patted the sheaf of papers, “This will make you a very rich woman.”
“I’m already a very rich woman, but thanks for reminding me.”
“How’s that new boyfriend of yours?” Craig whispered.
“None of your business,” she replied under her breath. She pushed back her chair, causing all the men at the table to stand. Jana smiled demurely, “Thank you gentlemen for your time. The food was great, the company even better. I look forward to working with all of you. Unfortunately, I’ve got another meeting,” She turned and left the restaurant, immediately entering her waiting car for the ride home to Mike. Jana didn’t hear the comments her dinner guests made to her ex-husband about Craig letting the best thing in his life walk away.
Entering her condo she called out, “Anybody here?”
“In here love,” Mike answered. “How was your dinner meeting?”
“Long and tedious, and I was glad to put an end to it. We’d pretty much concluded the business part. The old men were sitting around enjoying their drink. I don’t particularly care for that piece; it was something Craig always took care of. Since he was there I figured a good place for me was here.” She walked to Mike and sat on his lap. She kissed him with a passion he felt was only for him. When she broke the kiss she smiled at him and brushed back his hair, “I’ve missed you.”
“Lady, you don’t know the half of it.” He rose with her in his arms and carried her to the bedroom. He’d already turned the bed covers down and laid out a nightgown he knew she’d probably never get a chance to wear, at least not tonight. Running his hand along her thigh he felt the button of her garter belt. God I missed this. He assisted her in slowly removing her dress.
Jana leaned into him and felt his erection. I can only be gracious and help him remove these cumbersome clothes. I know he’s got to be uncomfortable. She smiled to herself as she unfastened his belt and unzipped his pants. With little effort she had his pants down around his knees and his shorts followed next. She took his shirt in both hands and with a sexual hunger she’d never experienced she pulled hard and the buttons flew across the room. “If that’s too aggressive,” she purred, “let me know.”
“Not a problem, gives me a reason to make you buy me a new shirt.” Mike picked her up and placed her in the center of the bed. He needed to touch her everywhere. He kissed and caressed every crevice, wanting to make a memory of her body, something he knew he would fantasize about when they weren’t together. “What time do you need to be in the office in the morning?” He nuzzled her neck.
“My first meeting is right after lunch. I’m all yours for the next twelve hours. Let’s make the most of it.” She pulled him down for the first kiss of many to come.
Mike teased her body, stroking her from her breasts to her stomach and lower, until he feared he could wait no longer. Easing his hand to the fork of her legs, he gently parted her nether lips and eased a finger inside. She was tight, but moist and ready for him. She rode his fingers, first one, and then two.
Jana marveled at the feelings his lightest touch stirred. Nerves she hadn’t realized she possessed had been awakened, and the sensations fascinated and delighted her. Had anyone told her she could feel this way with any man, let alone one she had known for only a few days, she would never have believed it. She missed the intimacy shared with the opposite sex. They had come together only a short week ago, yet the bond they shared increased with each passionate coupling.
His hands felt as if they belonged on her body, stroking her, making her gasp again. As he slipped his erection inside, Mike began to move slowly, rhythmically. Jana savored each moment, focusing on each new sensation as he began to move faster and faster, plunging deeper with each stroke. Soon he was moving, quickly, powerfully. She blocked out even the slightest thoughts from her mind, wanting only to feel and be in the moment.
They collapsed and the room fell into silence. Mike murmured, “Are we dead?”
“No we’re not dead,” her hand brushed his penis and she felt him quiver at her touch, “can we do it again?”
“Are you trying to kill me?”
“No, death is the last thing on my mind. I just want to continue using and abusing you.” She poked his arm, “You’re young, where’s your stamina?”
“I think you’ve been stealing it in pieces for the past couple of days. I’m going to need a month of R&R to regain my strength when I leave here this week.”
“Does that mean this is it, no more sex before you leave? Do I need to bring in the substitutes?” she teased.
“Oh, there’ll be more sex, as much as both of us can handle over the next couple of days. After I leave we can continue with phone sex, if you want.”
“Phone sex doesn’t sound all that satisfying, but I’m willing to trying anything-at least twice,” she laughed.
“Woman, you are wearing me out.” He laughed, the act shaking the bed, “But it’s not something I would change for anything. Is there anything in particular you would like to do right now? Hmmm?”
“Like I said before, I’ll try anything twice. Do you want me to direct the next skirmish, or do you want to throw the first blow?” She reached up and kissed him so hard his toes curled.
“Shit woman you’re going to kill me, but what a way to die.” He pulled her to him, hugging her tightly as he kissed her neck, nibbling on her ear lobe. They made love, quickly but passionately, talked of other things, made love again, talked again briefly and then a comfortable silence fell before Mike thought of something else he wanted to talk to her about. But, as he opened his mouth, he realized that the pattern of her breathing had changed to the shallow, even rhythm of sleep. It can wait until tomorrow, I need sleep too.
*****
At exactly 1229, Jana entered the office. She was dressed in her black Armani suit with her white lace camisole. She walked by Charlie’s desk to pick up her messages. “Good afternoon, how are things going? Anything I need to be aware of?”
“Actually for a change things are quiet. Craig has called about twenty times this morning and he wouldn’t leave a message. He needs to talk to you, but he said it wasn’t pressing. To me his actions are counter to that position, but the only way to find out his problem is to give him a call. He wouldn’t talk to me. He’s on your calendar at one, so if you don’t want to know sooner you can wait and talk to him then. Here are your messages, but like I said nothing pressing. I did give a couple to Cheryl and she took care of them.”
“Okay, I’ll wait for Craig to come to me. But…”
“What’s up?”
“Nothing, just thinking. You’re a man.”
“Cute, what do you want to know?”
“This is Mike’s last day, and I’d like to get him something, a going away gift.”
“How about a Rolex?”
“Don’t be obscene. I was trying to think of something that wasn’t too personal, but would be something when he saw it or used it he would think fondly of me. Any ideas?”
“Well, since you don’t like the idea of a Rolex, how about a nice pen and pencil set? You know, one of those Borsheim’s Waterman Hemisphere Black Ball pen and pencil sets? I think the two would run a little over a hundred. I know a store in town that stocks them and they deliver. Would you want it engraved?”
“Actually that sounds nice, exactly what an upcoming entrepreneur could use. No, I don’t want them engraved; I don’t want them that personal. This way as he moves on in his life and his career he can use them without a guilt factor included. Call and have a set sent over. If they can’t do it please go pick them up for me. I’m having dinner with him tonight and seeing him off tomorrow morning.”
&nbs
p; “I forgot to tell you that new accountant wants to see you.” Charlie smiled a wicked smile, “I set up a meeting with him next week, but he wanted to see you today.”
“Unless we are broke I don’t want to see him until next week. If he still insists set him up a meeting with Cheryl. She can more than handle him.”
“You are a wicked woman, but you’re a picture in motion; I love watching the fish squirm when there’s a shark in the water.”
“Charlie, you’ve called me a cougar and now a shark. I think you’re watching that Animal Planet channel too much.”
“Well not sharks, no wait, yes a cougar with shark tendencies.” He laughed as she walked away.
She turned, “Call the stationary store for the pens, and let me know when Craig gets here. Charlie, I’m not a shark, a cougar maybe, but not a shark.” She laughed as she closed the door.
Jana waited for Craig to arrive. I wonder what his problem is this time. His worrying gets old. Oh well, he’ll be here in a couple of minutes and then I’ll know. There was a knock at the door and Charlie opened it to announce Craig.
Jana walked around her desk, gave Craig a kiss on the cheek and waved her hand to indicate he should take a seat. “So, Craig, Charlie said you’ve been calling all morning; what’s up?”
“I don’t know how to begin,” he hesitantly replied.
“Craig, just tell me, you know I hate how you act coy and try to dodge the truth to keep from hurting me, or so you alluded over the course of our marriage. What’s going on? Tell me quick or I’m going to have Charlie physically remove you from my office.”
“I don’t doubt he’d do as you asked, he always did,” Craig whined.