by Amy Brent
Deciding to get it over with quickly, she charged in. “I am sure you are wondering why I am here Mr. Rutledge. The truth of the matter is I am upset at how things turned out.” She waited her eyes meeting his, holding him there for a moment.
“I assume you mean about the promotion, and not our interaction downstairs?” He gave her a smile and she felt the pulse at her throat quicken as she watched his simple move with his smile.
“Um, yes, about that.” She trailed off as he held up a hand to stop her.
“It's fine Mrs. James, as for the position, I will apologize for that, however them isn’t a thing I can do about it really. I have a copy of your records here. I can see you’ve been an asset. We would hate to see you leave us.” He arched an eyebrow at her over the file.
“Oh no, I mean I don’t want to leave. I was just given the impression I was simply moving into that position. Now, however, it seems to have vanished.” She was upset now, his bullying tactic, making her angry.
“No it’s there, I just had to make changes, some I didn’t want to do. There is nothing I can do about it now though. Do you have any experience with anything higher than a level 6?”
She sat back carefully. She was angry, but doing her best to not say or do anything that would make the situation worse. “No, I only have level 6 clearance. I’ve been grooming for that position for over a year.” She said it in clipped tones.
He was watching her over the desk, silently taking her in. She hated to be a spectacle for him or anyone else.
“Why do you insist on staring at me like that Rutledge? If you have a question, ask it already.” She had lost it, her self-control. She watched the surprise on his face and the lazy smile that followed.
“You certainly say exactly how you feel don’t you Mrs. James?”
“It’s Miss James, and yes I do. Where I am from if you don’t say anything you only have yourself to blame for the outcome.” She stood to go, it was obvious she would have to look for a job.
She stood to make her way to the door. “Thank you for taking the time to talk to me Rutledge. I’ll move my things from my office in the morning.”
Hearing him chuckle once more, she looked up at him her face flushed. “On the contrary, Miss. James.” He emphasized the Miss. “I want to offer you a different position.”
She frowned, almost afraid to ask him what it was. He made his way across the room to look out at the city once more. She allowed herself to take him in once more. Tall and broad he was quite a spectacle standing in the light of the window. She let her eyes travel over him until he spoke once more.
“Why Miss. James, I think perhaps you’re the one checking me out now.” He gave her a broad smile and walked towards her.
She felt the heat rise up in her face, having been caught staring at him, the very thing she had called him out on earlier. He moved like a cat, graceful and determined. She was frozen to the spot, unable to move as he stood in front of her. She felt the heat from him as he leisurely leaned against the door. His eyes slowly raking over her.
“Tell me, Miss James, you’ve made it clear you’re not married, do you have a boyfriend?”
She inhaled carefully, “No, it takes up too much time.” She met his gaze head on, noticing the appreciative look he gave her. There was something in his smile that made her feel weak, almost lost on him in that moment. She shook her head to clear her thoughts.
“I have some things that need some attention here. If you can help me work through them, I’ll see what I can do about another position. Deal?”
She bit her lower lip, thinking. At the very least it would buy her some time. “Sure, fine. I’ll be here in the morning; does that work for you?”
“9am Miss James. Don’t be late.” He gave her a wink as she left.
Late? As if she had ever been late a day in her life. She was content in his offer, she could show him what she did well, and perhaps he could help her. The next morning came quickly and she found herself faced with a mountain of paperwork when she walked in. Most of it was invoices and tax documents that needed attention. She was halfway through a pile when he walked in.
“Hello Miss James.” He had the uncanny ability to make his voice sound like velvet.
“Mr. Rutledge.” She did her best to ignore him, work Megan, just focus on work.
“You look lovely today.” He was smiling at her, lie a schoolboy or something.
“Thank you.” She frowned refocusing on the task at hand.
“So I’ve been thinking about our arrangement here. You work for two hours, then we talk for an hour every day all week.” He waited, watching her.
“Talk about what?” She chewed on her lower lip, thinking.
“Anything we want. You are a fascinating woman, I’d like to learn more about you, and in turn you can ask me anything you want.”
“Fine, deal.” She went back to work, now overly concerned about her job entirely.
The first day went smoothly, they enjoyed lunch and he asked about her childhood. She shared stories about some old people from her neighborhood and how amusing it was watching them deny the fact that they were getting older. Instead, they would sit in the street with the kids. She asked him about his life and he shared about his mother, and her desire for him to be a strong man. As the week went on they talked more and more and she found herself at ease with him.
By Wednesday things started to shift, and they both felt it.
“Why aren’t you married Megan?” He watched.
“I could ask you the same thing William.” She always put a royal inflection on his name which amused him.
“You first sweetheart, as you know I am a gentleman.” He gave her an exaggerated bow.
“Like I said, too complicated.” She popped a piece of fruit in her mouth candidly as she turned the question on him.
“Your turn.” She gave a bow. “Sweetheart.” He laughed, smiling at her.
“I haven’t found anyone I like spending time with longer than it takes to get her out of her clothes, and that’s the truth.” He said it simply enough.
She felt the heat rise in the air, changing the atmosphere.
“I see.” She felt the heat in her face, as she turned to look at the stack of paperwork on her desk.
“I doubt that. I am a complicated man Megan, but I know what I like, and I like getting what I want.”
She swallowed hard, “I have no doubt you do.”
“I want you Megan. I also want to know the truth about why you're single, when you’re ready.” He moved then his mouth finding hers in a kiss, leaving them both breathless.
“I am a complicated woman, its best you leave it alone.” She stood grabbing her jacket to go.
“Have dinner with me Megan, to talk about a new position.” He waited poised for a response.
She felt her heart beating rapidly as she subconsciously wet her lips. Why not, she really had nothing to lose. “Fine.”
“Well you don’t have to sound so enthusiastic about it Megan.” He gave her a half smile, grabbing up his jacket, leaving her standing by the door.
“Wait you mean now?” She frowned. “I thought you already went out for food?”
“True, but I can save that for another day, I’d much rather eat with you.” He watched her intently as he spoke, and she simply swallowed hard.
It wasn’t often in her adult life that she found herself in this type of situation. For as long as she could remember Megan went out of her way to be in charge, and that’s the way he liked it. Aside from any time she spent with her mother, who she rarely had a chance to see since she lived in the old part of town, and refused to leave there. Now, she was being led into a dinner that she hadn’t planned on. She felt his hand at the small of her back as they entered the elevator. Something about that made her relax, although her heat was still flipping.
It was all very dangerous really, dinner with the boss. She was playing a game that she was sure she wouldn’t win. She felt his ha
nd once more as they made their way into the garage, onto his private floor and into his black BMW. She felt it then, the same age old self-conscious feelings about her appearance. There was enough difference between them without adding her weight to the mix. She was fine with how she looked, but he was probably unprepared for the looks they were likely to get having dinner together.
She took in a deep breath as they rolled through town passing by some old buildings and into the deeper part of the city. She rarely went this far down, always sticking to the places she knew well.
“I hope you like steak?” He glanced her way and gave her a wink when she nodded.
They finally pulled into a quaint restaurant on a corner, once she had never really seen before. As they made their way inside she knew why he had chosen to go there. Dark and quiet they wouldn’t be seen by anyone from the office, and he wouldn’t have to worry about the judgement from others. Knowing it stung a little, but she had to expect it on some level.
Chapter Four-William
Truth be told he wasn’t really sure what he was doing. Sure, he wanted her in his bed. Even that was a mystery to him. She was nothing like most women, always eager to do whatever he wanted, no Megan James was different, and he liked it. He felt her flinch slightly as he put his hand on the small of her back, knowing that despite her efforts to seem indifferent he did have an effect of her, at least on some level. Even now walking into he restaurant he smiled to himself, watching her glance around the room subconsciously, making sure she didn’t know anyone from work, more than likely.
As they settled down he couldn’t help but watch her slide gracefully in the chair he offered her. The curve of her hip begged him to touch it, to run his hands down the softness of her curvy frame. Instead he slid it in under her and moved around the table to look at her once more. She was glowing from the dimness of the room, her eyes lit up, and the caramel skin of her cheeks were faint with a blush. Yes, he certainly did have an effect on her.
He was playing with fire really. Every single move he made was typically so calculated that asking her to dinner had come as a surprise even to him. She had been leaving, and quite simply he didn’t want her to go. So, here they were. He watched her under hooded lashes as she seemed to be fixated on her place setting.
“So, Megan, tell more about you.” He gestured the waiter and was immediately welcomed by a rather large bottle of wine and two glasses.
Her eyes met his. “I’m not exactly sure what you want to know Rutledge. My resume speaks for itself, I’ve been at the company for years.” She took a long drink of her wine.
The thrill filled him, watching her squirm. He got the impression that Megan James was used to running things and this conversation was no easy task for her. He decided to push further.
“Not that part of you, tell me something about your other parts.”
The flush filled her face and she took another long drink. Yes, he affected her very much indeed. She would never admit it to him, in fact he was sure she would likely go out of her way to ignore everything about how he made her feel.
“Well I grew up in the eastside. My father died when I was young, everything else about me you pretty much know.” She took a sip of water.
As the food arrived, he watched how she held herself. She was poised, and refined, pacing herself with every bite. He could tell she was happy for the distraction. No she wasn’t used to sharing too much about herself.
“What about you Rutledge, you always like to ask the questions, why not answer some of your own.” She was defiant now biting back, which he loved.
“So you do want to get to know me? I suppose there is something about me I can share. I run a business now, I am 32 and I find myself in the most delectable company sometimes, often leaving me hungry for more than food.”
He watched the myriad of emotions cross her face. She swallowed hard, blinking rapidly as she processed his words. He couldn’t help but chuckle to himself once more. She was beautiful, curvy and he wanted her. It was unlike anything he had felt in a very long time. He knew she would appreciate him being direct, so it would be better to give her what she wanted most.
“Megan, I am the kind of man who appreciates directness. I don’t like to play games, I don’t want to get married and settle down. I have business partners for years simply because I get to the point.”
She watched him intently, waiting.
“I assume you appreciate that in someone, by the way you carry yourself. I can tell you like to run the show, which I admire, in most situations.”
“Yes, I do. I like order and structure and I like making decisions for myself.” She crossed her arms now, content in her response.
Leaning forward he smiled devilishly at her. “I’m very glad you said so. I find you fascinating Megan and I want you. Perhaps it is because you are more like me than anyone I’ve ever met. On the other hand, it may be because you’re a challenge to me, especially in the way you pretend to be unaffected by me, and my words.”
He watched as her face changed with each word he spoke. Now the ball was in her court.
Chapter Five- Megan
She was on fire. Both anxiety and excitement ran through her with every word he spoke. There was a part of her that saw the red flag, the many of them in fact, about this situation. The other part of her was fascinated with the idea of being with him. Almost immediately she tossed the flames of excitement out the window. There was no doubt in her mind that he had never been with a woman like her, on so many levels. Everything she had ever heard about him linked him up with one perfect woman to the next. She could only imagine how he would feel with a picture of himself, and her full curvy frame on the headlines. No, he was probably one of those guys, the ones who wanted to “try out” being with a big girl, not once realizing how their feelings may be affected by it.
“I’m afraid you have the wrong idea about me Mr. Rutledge. I am not just some woman you met randomly in a bar, desperate for your attention. I should be going.” She stood to go, walking towards the door never breaking stride.
He was there, quickly. Much faster than she expected him to be. She waited with him until the car came around again. She slid into the car, waiting for him to say something to her… anything at all. Instead they rode together for more than few minutes, both lost in their own thoughts. He pulled back into the garage finally parking so that she could go home, where she belonged. What had possessed her to go with him in the first place? Despite the way things had turned out she knew better than to be rude.
“It was a lovely dinner Mr. Rutledge. Thank you for inviting me.” She made her way over to the elevator, pressing the button to go down to the 6th level. Before the door opened he moved to stop the movement of the elevator.
Glancing up at him she had little time to think at all as she felt his hand on her wrist.
He moved slowly, his grip firm but not painful. He spun her around, pushing her against the wall of the garage as he did. She barely had a moment to inhale before the heat of his mouth found hers. The taste of him was intoxicating. Every one of her senses were on high as he moved his lips against hers. There was electricity moving through her as he moved delicately over her mouth, spilling his tongue in to taste of her honeys sweetness.
She felt his right hand sliding up her back to slide onto the base of her neck, carefully running his fingers into her hair to tilt her head back once more. As he broke off the kiss she wanted to protest, but failed to speak before his mouth met her skin once more, this time on the curve of her neck. She whimpered, subconsciously as he nibbled there, making slow and lazy circles on her skin. He moved back up his mouth kissing her one more while his left hand moved to hold her hand, pressing even more into her as she was pressed still, against the hard wall.
Finally, the kiss broke and he hit the button once more to move the elevator. As the door opened he dropped a quick kiss on her cheek.
“I enjoyed it as well Miss. James, especially dessert.” He gave her a
smile as she left the elevator and he closed behind the doors.
There was no identifying the way she felt. Her body was still aching deep down from the kiss, and the way he had kissed her. It had been a longtime since anyone had approached her that way, if ever. She had always been the one to say yes or no, but with him there wasn’t even a question.
She slid into her car, enjoying the coolness of the seats against the heat of her skin. Tomorrow, she would have to find a new job. Only then could she put him, and all this behind her. She knew better than to do something as stupid as to end up in her bosses bed, even if she was quitting. She soon found herself at home, slipping into her bed for the night. Some part of her could help but feel some slight sadness at knowing she could be in a very different bed, having a very different evening altogether.
Morning came, and being a Saturday she felt lazy when she glanced at the clock and noticed it was already after 9. Typically, her weekends were filled with activity, keeping her busy. Today would be more of the same, no doubt getting a call from her mother like clockwork sharing news from the neighborhood. She would start looking for a job on Monday, for now she just wanted to relax, and enjoy her weekend with her new car. Soon it would be gone, and she would have to start all over somewhere new. With a sigh she threw off the covers, ready to face the day. Making her way into the kitchen she grabbed up her phone along the way only now noticing the blinking light. She flicked the screen to open her messages.
Yesterday was wonderful, I want you.
There was little doubt in her mind who it was from. She felt her body come to life with the excitement of the words. He certainly had no problem sharing what he wanted, but she had decided to not let it go any further than it already had. She had very strict guidelines about how she lived her life. She had been reckless and let the fantasy take over yesterday. She wouldn’t let it happen a second time. She needed to focus on the important things in life like her family, and taking care of herself, especially now.