Playing the Game. (Business and Pleasures)

by Lovecraft, Valentina

  “It’s the attitude the board of directors will have when they learn that I have just breezed past them.” She glanced at him, for the first time really appreciating his good looks and allowing herself to dive into the melting chocolate of his brown eyes.

  “It’s Anaise, though isn’t it?” he asked, his voice serious now. He knew more than she had given him credit for.

  “Yes,” she replied dejectedly.

  “I don’t feel like I can enjoy this win, it would be like rubbing it in her face. She is my friend.”

  Jensen took the glass from her fingers and replaced it with his hand. Making her nerves tingle where he touched her.

  “I think, that Anaise will come around, she was just shocked. Dad had mentioned your name on occasion when he would talk about work, he obviously had great confidence in you. So if he has entrusted you with his greatest creation, he knew that you will face every problem and take control.

  Anaise, well, she doesn’t have to have you rubbing it in her face if you celebrate without her!” He smiled mischievously and held up his glass.

  Rin felt the release of relief wash over her. He is right, why worry? What is done is done, Anaise can’t stay mad at her forever? She thought.

  She took her glass and clinked it against his.

  “To the success of Karina Terry! May your rule be just and fair!” He toasted.

  Chapter 4

  Jensen left Rin at the table and asked at the desk to pay the bill. He wanted to be the gentleman of course, plus this had kind of turned into a date. They had ended up staying for lunch, and it had been an unexpected but nice afternoon; he didn’t want it to end, but Rin had a meeting to get to.

  Sitting back at the table, he decided that Rin had left her worries for the office, and he could safely bring up last Monday.

  “So, last week,” He started.

  “Yes I wondered if you might bring that up,” she said smirking. Jensen couldn’t help but smile, she had been waiting for me to mention it huh?

  “So we have a good meal, we had… a nice evening, but I don’t get a good-bye kiss?” he said trying for hurt.

  Rin bit at her lip still smiling. She was too cute; he had already forgiven her for sneaking off and not calling. He was intent on seeing her again though, even if she played hard to get. I am Jensen Altman; I defy you to turn me away! He thought feeling confident.

  “Well, Jensen, you have a reputation you know. I thought I ought to leave you to it, plus I had to get to work. That whole day was pretty out of character for me,” she said avoiding his eyes.

  Jensen leaned back in his chair. Well, what does that mean? He thought; ego deflated somewhat.

  “So you wouldn’t want to do it again then?” he asked,

  “Have dinner with me, I mean!” He added quickly and laughed.

  Rin suddenly took a great interest in her drink; Jensen felt the opportunity slipping away.

  “Well, I don’t know Jensen. It was a great night, but I’m not looking for anything serious right now. I have a lot on my plate, especially as of today.” She looked up at him apologetically.

  It was ok she just needed a little more coaxing.

  “You’re not interested? Ok.” He shrugged, and put his hands behind his head.

  “But we still have to celebrate your promotion.” He countered.

  “How about… Friday night. I will pick you up at 8. We can celebrate, dance, eat, whatever you want to do! Nothing serious. Then you can carry on with your full plate,” he said. Sure she would be up for that much at least.

  She finished the sparkly liquid in her glass and looked up into his eyes. Her expression changed from mild amusement to serious as the moment lengthened, still locked in his gaze, she licked her lips.

  “Ok. I was going to turn you down, but you argue a good case, plus I haven’t been dancing in sooo long.” She smiled,

  “But this time you can pick me up from my house, I’m not waiting around on the street freezing my butt off again.” She wagged a finger at him.

  “Well alright!”

  Inwardly cheering he stood up and offered her his hand. She took it and stepped away from the table. He took a liberty and put his arm around her shoulders, as they walked towards the door.

  “Wait, we need to pay the bill Jensen!” she said and stopped suddenly.

  “Already taken care of my lady,” he said with as much charm as he could manage and nodded to the maître d’.

  Outside the restaurant, Rin stopped and checked the time.

  “My meeting is in an hour,” she said.

  “Where are you meeting? at the office?” he asked.

  “No it’s a new client, just a meet and greet. We are meeting at their hotel in Elephant and Castle; I'll head back to the office after,” she replied rooting about in her bag and producing a hand mirror.

  “I’d better get to the station.” She checked her appearance and dropped the mirror back into the bag.

  “I’d offer to drive you, but Anaise arranged for a company car this morning. Ha, I forgot about that! It looks like I’ll be slumming it on the tube too!” he said unable to hide his glee at the thought! It had been quite some time since he had tackled London’s ancient underground network. He loved the grittiness, and soot covered mice… the rats and people not so much.

  “Ha! Ok then! Let’s go,” replied Rin, amused by his excitement of the mundane.

  They could only enjoy a few stops together before Rin had to change lines, their carriage was packed. They stood near the doors as more and more people squeezed onto the train, wedging them against each other.

  “Well this is nice.” He joked. Rin had one hand on his chest, the other holding a pole that ran from floor to ceiling. Jensen was over six feet, so he held onto one of the hanging handles and took the opportunity to slip his other arm around her waist.

  “So, we are going dancing on Friday then?” He smiled down at her.

  “Yup! I had better go shopping, I think a new dress and shoes are in order!” she said, excitement shining in her eyes.

  “Women and shoes! Any club in mind? I favour a few, but it’s your celebration!” he asked.

  The train jolted and everyone standing staggered.

  “Oh!” cried Rin as she fell into Jensen’s chest, followed by a few other passengers who knocked into his shoulder. Still gripping the hanging handle, he pressed his back against the pole and protectively held her tighter, taking advantage of their closeness and breathing in her sweet aroma.

  He was trying to have a look at the train line map above the seating area but there were just too many passengers in the carriage. He could tell that Rin was looking up at him, but pretended not to notice. Ha, she is checking me out! He celebrated to himself. After a moment or two more he felt her arm slip around his waist. He looked down at her, she met his gaze.

  “Yours is the next stop,” he said, moving her closer still, building up to the question he had been wanting to ask since they had gotten on the train.

  “Yeah, looks like I’ll make the meeting in good time,” she replied.

  “Do I get a good-bye kiss this time?” he asked jokingly, hoping he didn’t sound bothered either way.

  Rin just smiled knowingly and watched him for an expression change. He laughed and looked up at the crowd around them. Fine, doesn’t matter I’ll play her game. He thought.

  The tannoy crackled into life and announced the next station’s imminent arrival.

  He felt Rin’s hand on his face; he looked down at her. To his surprise, she rose up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his, she kissed him softly but full on, then pulled back a little and kissed him lightly again. The train slowed to a stop, and the crowded carriage sprang into life.

  Jensen released the handle and wound his other arm around her, lifting her to his height. He kissed her passionately, then reluctantly placed her gently down so she could leave the train.

  “Thank you for lunch Jensen!” she said as she moved away from him
.

  “Any time. See you Friday Red,” he called back as she was swallowed up by the crowd. He watched for the flash of fire move among the hordes until he couldn’t see her any longer. The doors closed on the full carriage, and the train left the station.

  Chapter 5

  Rin collapsed onto her sofa and closed her eyes. Phew what a week! I can’t believe it’s already Friday!

  Since her promotion to managing director, nearly two years ago, she had completely redecorated her terrace house. She had bought the place a year before when she had been promoted to general manager and could afford the mortgage. She loved her home but with her new status and dramatic increase in income, the prospect of buying a condo in the city centre was now a possibility for her.

  Well, there is plenty of time to consider options, she thought, right now I have to prepare myself. Better get something to eat, or I’ll be a cheap date tonight! She sat up and looked around her lounge. She hadn’t really considered it through the eyes of another, but it was really rather girly. She had bought her large corner sofa and matching arm chair before she decorated this room, it was dusky pink wide cord with brightly coloured throw pillows. She chose to highlight the rest of the magnolia room with items in pinks and spring greens to match the sofa.

  Ok, at least its tidy, she thought and headed to the kitchen, also tidy!

  After fixing herself a sandwich and showering, she ran to the shopping bags that had been dumped by the door when she had got home. Bringing them to her room, she pulled out their contents, a beautiful new dress and shoes. Oooh Jensen will be all over this tonight! she thought smugly as she held the dress against her naked body. As much as she didn’t want a man in her life, she indulged in the flight of imagination, what would it be like to be his girlfriend, bringing him to meet her peers, on his arm at various social events. He would certainly make her friends swoon at his sheer size and male model looks.

  It was fun to fantasize, but she knew hardly anything about him. She didn’t know what he did from day to day, she had no idea what he enjoyed doing or if he had any other girls on the go. She was not even sure if he was actually into her, he could just be bored, and she was the only available option.

  On that thought she ended her delusions; he was trouble, and she would do well to remember that. She had a career to take care of and very little time for games.

  After drying and styling her hair into large loose curls and applying more makeup than she normally would, she checked the time-7:49 PM? Oh hell he’s going to be here soon! She panicked and removed the label from the dress. It was a gorgeous marine blue, high cut front and low back; it was too sheer to allow for a bra. The shoes were strappy and silver, covered with jewels to match the sparkly crystal necklace she had also bought that afternoon.

  Happy with her appearance she was about to start the search for a handbag to match, when the doorbell rang. Suddenly, she was frozen by nerves. Oh gosh, why am I so nervous? She thought as she unsteadily descended the stairs to the front door.

  “Wow!” exclaimed Jensen, genuinely impressed, as Rin opened the door to him, she smiled and blushed, stepping aside to let him in.

  “Hi Jensen!” she said still feeling nervous. He looked hot as hell! He had combed his hair back and wore a white V neck t shirt, a necklace made of leather thong and two silver chains, with a suit style jacket with the sleeves rolled up and smart jeans.

  “You look stunning tonight Red!

  C'est un cadeau pour toi.” Stepping over the threshold towards her, he produced from behind him a bouquet of deep orange roses, the same colours as her hair, and held them out to her.

  “Oh! Thank you so much!” She cried and inhaled their heady scent, then reached up and kissed him on the cheek. She had to admit; he was definitely impressing her!

  Before he had a chance to pull her in for more she stepped away and instructed him to follow.

  “Have you decided where you want to go tonight?” he asked as he followed her to the kitchen.

  “Actually no, I haven’t given it too much thought, finding the perfect pair of shoes was the main issue!” she laughed, locating a suitable vessel to display the roses in. She retrieved two flute glasses from the cupboard and brought out a bottle of champagne her mother had sent to celebrate her new promotion.

  “Well, I’m on the guest list at Sapphire, or if you fancy something a little more exotic, we could head to Soho and mix it up?” He offered.

  “You’re on the guest list at Sapphire?” Rin asked in disbelief.

  “That club is so prestigious! I’ve read about celebrities being turned away before!” She shook her head and uncorked the bottle, a cascade of bubbles covering her hand and the work top.

  “Ha, yeah I’ve heard that too, I’m friends with the owner.” he replied, watching her lick the champagne bubbles from her fingers.

  She wiped away the rest of the spill and ran her hand under the tap. Pouring their drinks, she turned back and caught him staring at her ass.

  “So you like my new dress?” she asked handing him a glass.

  “It’s befitting for such a beauty!” He laughed,

  “It’s lovely, but I’d prefer to see you out of it,” he said, and Rin was surprised by how serious he now looked. She raised her glass.

  “To secret celebrations!” She toasted. He clinked his glass against hers and sipped.

  “Before we go, I just need to find my bag, make yourself at home! I’ll be back in a minute,” she said and headed for the stairs.

  Where is that bag? She thought in frustration as she hunted through the shelves of her closet. Just as she located the small silver shoulder bag she had had in mind, she nearly jumped out of her skin when Jensen placed his hand on her shoulder.

  “Sorry to make you jump; your mobile has been ringing constantly since you left the kitchen,” he said apologetically as he handed her the phone.

  She read two numbers on the screen, her sister and Anaise? Well, they can wait until tomorrow she thought. She picked up her necklace and looked at Jensen; he was sitting on the corner of her bed taking everything in. His large frame and general manliness looked out of place in her girly room, she felt a wave of lust roll over her and tried to quash it by fiddling with the clasp of the necklace.

  “Could you help me out here?” she asked handing him the necklace. She turned and held the mane of curls away from her neck. She felt him stand over her, his size dominating.

  “Certainly,” he replied in a low voice and placed a hand on her shoulder. The sensation sent a tingle through her. She felt a sudden abandon to her morals; he was dutifully attending to her necklace, but the urge to turn and embrace him was strong. She fought it back, but her heart was a betrayer.

  She watched herself and Jensen in the full-length mirror. Inching gradually back into him and bringing her arm from her side, she rubbed her hand lightly over his thigh.

  He had finished with her necklace and took her cue, resting his hands on her upper arms he leaned down to kiss her neck. She backed into him a little more and suggestively rubbed her body against his.

  He was quick to retaliate and ran his hands languidly up over her shoulders, beyond her breasts, stopping to appreciate her lack of bra. Leaning her head back against his shoulder, Rin continued to watch him in the mirror. With her other arm, she reached behind her and rubbed over his crotch, trying to feel through the thick jean material.

  At that point, Jensen noticed her watching him in the mirror and grinned mischievously. He grabbed her thighs and ran both his hands up under her dress. One hand flattened against her stomach, the other slipped under the elastic of her underwear, stroking the soft mound before sliding a finger across her rapidly lubricating slit. Rin made an involuntary purring sound which intensified as he slid the finger into her.

  She closed her eyes momentarily; he is straight to business then!

  She located the buckle of his belt and surprised herself by undoing it quickly. Unbuttoning and unzipping him, her need escal
ating with every stroke of his hand.

  A jolt of pleasure shot through her from the second finger he pressed into her, just as she uncovered his enlarging erection. She glided her hand over the silken skin, teasing him with soft touches, exploring the size of his mighty cock.

  She began to massage him in rhythm as he manipulated the sensitive nub of her clit.

  He watched her enjoy his touch, and she watched him, his large hands coveting her flesh.

  She had never felt like an exhibitionist before, but she loved it. Maybe I should install a mirrored ceiling! She mused.

  Craving more she released him and leaned forward slowly, keeping mirrored eye contact; she removed her knickers.

  Watching her slide them over her thighs his expression changed from a smug cheekiness to sober yearning, serious and filled with intent, his lips twisted out of the smile he had worn into a sneer.

  As she stood again, Jensen turned her to face him, a look of hunger and determination in his eyes. He kissed her fiercely and passionately. She returned his kisses just as desperately, and he pulled her against him.

  Holding his large shoulders, she attempted to move him towards the bed, but he momentarily released her to remove his jacket. He then surprised Rin by practically throwing her backwards onto her bed. She liked how rough he was being; their last encounter had been sensual in comparison.

  He climbed up after her and pushed her dress up so high, the lower swells of her breasts were visible. She looked up at his face and felt another wave of arousal tear through her as he looked back into her eyes- there was no smile. The easy-going Jensen she thought she knew had left and been replaced by a stranger with an animalistic need that felt dangerous. It excited her.

  One strong hand grasped her thigh and pulled her down the bed, towards the other hand-brandishing his enormous cock. Without waiting a second longer he pressed the blunt tip against her; she held her breath as she felt the first inch of him enter. Awaiting him to plunge in, she exhaled, but he allowed her a moment to adjust to his intrusion