by Scott, Lisa
She pushed away her protesting thoughts and pulled off her skirt. He really was that good. And she really was that hopeless.
Afterward, they scrambled to get dressed and grab a few snacks to eat on the ride back to the office. She snatched apples and granola bars from the counter. Lunch hours like this helped keep her weight down, so that was another bonus.
Tom grabbed the chocolate. Good thing he didn’t bring that every day.
“Good man,” she said, hoping she sounded as nonchalant as usual. She always tried to channel her brash, confident side around Tom, no matter what she felt inside. It would be embarrassing if he knew how much he meant to her when she meant so little to him.
In the car, she handed him an apple, and he left the box of Godiva open on the dashboard. The apple was cold and heavy in her hand. Kind of the way her heart felt in her chest—like an overripe red fruit ready to drop from the tree because no one had chosen to pick it.
She looked over at him. He was smiling, singing along with the radio, not at all phased by the significance of this day. How long would he be willing to continue this arrangement? She knew one thing for sure: she couldn’t spend another six months doing this.
***
Tom was a happy man. After they downed most of the chocolate, he reached for Joy’s hand as they drove back to work. He loved how his big fingers curled around hers, enclosing them in his grasp like a little bird he was trying to keep safe. They sat there quietly, beaming in the afterglow.
They parked in the ramp, and he kissed her once more before she left his car and returned to the office. “Hope the rest of your day is good,” he said.
“It’s always good after a break like that,” she said with an incredible grin that left him squirming in his seat.
He watched her walk away and gave himself a few minutes to cool off. He flipped on the radio. Why was he feeling so antsy? They’d had another great afternoon. She still seemed to enjoy their time together as much as he did, but something felt unsettled inside him. There was a longing for something that hadn’t been satisfied, no matter how hot the sex had been.
He listened to a few songs, then hopped out of the car and headed for the office. Usually she went back to work first. It was more important she get back on time since she was the receptionist. People would notice if she was late, especially Sara, who had her suspicions already. Besides, he sometimes took long client lunches so he had more flexibility.
But a few people already noticed that the two of them always left for lunch at the same time. His buddy Chuck had tried to get information out of him, but Tom played dumb. He didn’t want anyone thinking badly of Joy or making assumptions about her because of their nooners. He wanted to keep things quiet, mostly for her sake. But to be honest, he was worried what Jillian would think, too. Would she make life difficult for Joy? Would she hold back a promotion from him for fooling around with Joy instead of her?
But it was more than fooling around, wasn’t it? At least, it felt more than that to him.
When he arrived at the sixth floor, he walked into the office without looking Joy’s way, though he’d love to have seen those pouty lips again and her big, expressive eyes. Her eyes always seemed to hold a thousands secrets under those thick, dark lashes. He could stare at them all day. If he had all day with her, that was.
His friend Jenny popped up from her seat and waved. “Welcome back. Was lunch good?”
“It was fine.” He heard Joy pause in her conversation on the phone. “Excellent, actually.”
“What did you have?” Jenny smirked, her curls bouncing on her shoulders.
“I always have something great for lunch. I’m a lucky guy.” He walked to his office, while Jenny shouted, “Hope your day is filled with more good things. Surprising things.”
Surprising? That was a sign something was up. Jenny was full of surprises and ever since she’d started dating Nolan, the new guy at the office, her prank output had doubled. Jokes must’ve been good foreplay for them the way they turned them out.
He sat down at his desk but jumped when he caught sight of the creepy bear from one of Jenny’s campaigns. A note was attached. “Dandy Bear says women aren’t just playthings.” He crumpled the note and threw it away. The bear started singing. He stuffed it into his desk drawer.
Tom opened his email, scanned the new messages, and tried to answer a few, but discovered someone had switched all the keys on his keyboard. And when he pressed the return key, the word ‘jerk’ appeared on his screen. Not sure how they’d pulled that one off. They must’ve enlisted Tristan in IT for help.
But he was far too distracted to try and fix it. If that was Jenny’s surprise for the day, it wasn’t so bad compared to some of the things she’d done. She’d once rigged an air horn to the bottom of his office chair so it went off when he sat down. That was wonderful on a grumpy Monday morning and not easy to remove, either. And when there were no spare chairs to be found, he’d spent the day sitting cross-legged on the floor to do his work until Jenny relented and removed the horn.
Clearly, from her ribbing today, she knew about him and Joy and didn’t like it. But he wasn’t going to explain things to her. It wasn’t her business and she wouldn’t understand.
If only the timing were right, Joy would be the perfect girlfriend. But he’d passed up too many good jobs for women before. He couldn’t make that mistake again. At twenty-seven, he should’ve been further along in his career than he was. He was still only a junior account executive at the advertising firm, when he should have at least been an account executive. He’d turned down a promotion before because it meant leaving town—and leaving his girlfriend at the time. Four months later, she was gone and so was the career opportunity.
So he made a resolution—no more serious relationships, at least not until he’d risen another rung or two in the advertising world. They liked him at Dunner Advertising, but the account execs in the Boston branch weren’t going anywhere. He’d have to move to a branch in another city to advance his career.
Then a year ago, Joy took the receptionist job. Suddenly, the models at the agency across the hall weren’t so interesting. He knew Joy had ambitions to be a model herself and she certainly had the body and the face for it. They’d started flirting immediately. She was beautiful and distracting enough that he vowed not to get involved with her.
But that night at the bar six months earlier, he couldn’t resist her pouty lips and bright green eyes. He thought it would simply be one night he’d never forget. He was stunned the following Monday when she took him up on his suggestion of hooking up at lunch. “What a nice perk of the job this could be,” she’d said when he took her to his apartment. It was like, “Dear Penthouse, is this really happening?”
He smiled, remembering how incredible their second time together had been. And the third. The fourth, too. Every time with her was unforgettable. He sighed. He never imagined they’d be doing this for six months. He thought for sure he’d be gone by now. He’d certainly miss her when he did leave. The thought made his chest tighten. No more Joy in his life?
A rap at the door disrupted his thoughts.
“Got a minute?” It was his boss, Jillian.
“Sure, come in.”
She closed the door behind her.
He gulped. “What’s up?” It was no secret Jillian hired attractive men so she had a flock of flirting targets. And that’s usually all it was. But recently, Jillian had been focusing a lot of attention on him.
“Do I need a reason to come in?” she asked.
“Well, no. I guess not. I am busy, though,” he said.
“Too bad. I’m bored. So here I am.” She sat on the corner of his desk and leaned back, her red wavy hair falling over her shoulders. He could only imagine how many clients had been landed because of that hair and her sexy comments. He wouldn’t be surprised if she’d done more than flirt to bring in business.
Maybe mentioning her husband would get her to back off. “How’s Chr
istopher?”
“Still screwing his secretary, I’m sure.” She flipped her hand in the air. “No biggie. He and I both know what we do evens out in the end.”
His phone rang, and he let out the breath he’d been holding. “Better get that. We’ll talk later.”
“Talking’s boring, and I know you’re not boring, Tom,” she whispered as she backed out of the office.
***
He was distracted the rest of the day, ignoring phone calls, dodging Jillian and pushing away paperwork. He found plenty of reasons to walk past Joy’s desk. She’d glance at him, then return to her work. Maybe their lunch breaks were so passionate because they had to deny their attraction the rest of the day.
At five o’clock he watched Joy gather her things. She flashed him a smile before walking out the door. He leaned back in his chair and groaned. He didn’t want to wait until the next day to see her again. He wanted to be with her now. And not just for sex. He adored her laugh. He loved talking to her. Their lunch breaks were never long enough. He craved time alone with her, without the ticking clock they always faced.
Then he remembered. Her flowers were in his car. He turned off his computer and dashed outside. She was leaning against the building in her usual spot waiting for him. “I was hoping you didn’t forget about the flowers.” A breeze rustled her bangs.
“Let’s go get ‘em.” He led her to his car and retrieved the bouquet for her.
A beautiful soft pink color spread across her cheeks. He couldn’t resist taking her in his arms and kissing her.
She pulled away. “People are leaving the office right now. What if someone sees us?”
“Right.” He stepped back. “Well, have a good night.”
She held up the flowers. “Thanks again for these.”
“Can I drive you home? Walk you to the subway?”
“No, I’m fine. Thanks.”
He watched her walk out of the ramp and then he sat in his car, drumming the steering wheel. How much longer were they going to go on like this? He really liked Joy; liked her enough to want more than quickies at lunch. His throat tightened just thinking about it.
Later, when he let himself into his quiet apartment, a glint of gold on the floor caught his eye. He bent over and picked up one of Joy’s earrings. He would have to give it to her the next day. He closed his hand around it.
Or he could deliver it in person tonight.
***
Joy carefully arranged the flowers in a vase on her kitchen table. She pulled one out, stuck it in an empty water bottle, and set it beside her bed. After she changed into her pajamas she curled up on top of her comforter. What would it be like to wake up in Tom’s arms? she wondered. She’d never find out.
Roses to celebrate six months of whatever it was they were doing was nice, but somehow the beautiful red blossoms made her sad.
Her phone jingled with her sister’s ring tone. She thought about ignoring it, but Tara wasn’t one to be ignored. “Hello?”
“Want to come out tonight?” Tara asked.
“It’s Tuesday.”
“When did you turn fifty? Who cares what night it is?”
“I already changed into my pajamas.”
“It’s six o’clock. Are you sick?”
“No.”
Tara growled. “It’s Tom, isn’t it?”
“No.” Joy sighed. “Yes. Today is the six-month anniversary of when we started seeing each other. He gave me roses. And chocolate.”
“And you should give him a bill for your services. You’re not seeing each other. What you have isn’t a relationship.”
Joy said nothing.
“I’m sorry. I’m just sick of hearing about this jerk who’s using you.”
Joy sat up. “You’re right.”
“What? I am? Greetins, alien overlords who have taken over my sister’s body, when might she be returning?”
Joy didn’t even laugh. “I mean it. You’re right. I deserve better.”
“Like I’ve been saying all along.”
“I’m going to break it off.”
“Really?”
“Or tell him I want more. I’m not sure.”
“Don’t do that. He doesn’t deserve you. Change out of your jammies and come out with me. Let me re-introduce you to the wonderful world of available men who’d love to be in a relationship with someone like you.”
“Fine. I’ll be ready in an hour.” She wasn’t sure if this was the right move, but something in her life had to change.
Joy plugged in her hot rollers. When was the last time they pulled double duty in a day? Then she picked out a swingy red sundress that was practically dusty from disuse. As she rolled her hair up, she wondered if she should call Tom and end things before she went out? What if she met someone else? Technically, can you cheat on a coworker with benefits?
But hooking up with someone else was very unlikely. This was all to humor Tara.
***
After changing out of his suit into jeans and a t-shirt, he drove to Joy’s place, and dashed up the stairs to her apartment. He rapped on the door.
She answered wearing a tight dress and rollers. She just blinked at him.
“Smokin’” he said.
She patted her rolled hair. “It’s not smoke, it’s steam.”
He laughed. “No, your dress. It’s very hot.” Why was she wearing that dress? He gulped. “You’re going out?”
“With my sister. What are you doing here?”
He opened his hand. “You left an earring at my place.”
“Oh. Thanks. You could’ve given it to me tomorrow.”
He shrugged. “I wanted to see you.”
“You did?”
“Can I come in?”
She stepped back from the door and he walked into her living room. “We need to talk,” he said, surprised by the rapid beat of his heart.
She nodded. “Yes, we do.”
He sat on her couch, and she joined him, tucking one foot beneath her leg and leaving some space between them. He leaned forward, steepling his hands. “Our arrangement isn’t working for me anymore.”
She looked away, her rollers clanking together as she moved. “I agree. I was going to tell you the same thing. It’s not working for me either, because I deserve more than this.” She tipped her chin in the air, as if prepared for his argument.
He set his hand on her leg. “You’re right.”
“And that’s why I’m going out with… Wait, you agree?”
“One-hundred percent. You’re wonderful, Joy. And you deserve someone who can be there for you 24/7, not for an hour a day.”
“Oh,” she said in a quiet voice that almost killed him. “So you’re ending this. Well, I’m glad we’re on the same page then.”
“No, I don’t want to end it. I was thinking more like expanding. I want more than lunch breaks with you. It’s not enough. That’s why I’m here. I miss you. I want to be with you. I want to have the relationship we should’ve been having all along.”
She looked at him, saying nothing, and something got caught in his throat. “If that’s okay with you. I don’t even know if you’re seeing anyone else, I’m not…I haven’t, not since…” Joy’s lips on his own interrupted his bumbling.
“Yes, I want you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck while he looped his around her waist. They were in the perfect position for—but no, he had that every day. When did he ever have a chance to just hold her in his arms?
“What about your job?” she asked.
“A promotion might not be coming for a long time. I’m not going to put my life on hold anymore. I don’t want to lose you. And I don’t want to share you.”
“I haven’t been with anyone else, Tom. I know I said at the beginning this was fine with me, but I’ve always wanted more. Just with you.”
He held her tight and pressed his cheek against hers. “Good. Then let’s have more.”
She settled her head on his shoulder while he ru
bbed his thumb between her shoulder blades.
“You have plans tonight. Should I leave?”
“My plans have changed. Let me text my sister.” She reached for her phone on the end table and sent a quick message. Then she looped her arms around his neck again. “We need to celebrate, don’t you think?”
She slid one of the dress straps off her shoulder, and he stopped her. “I meant let’s go out and celebrate.”
“You’re ready to go public with this?” she asked.
“I am. Dinner tonight, and tomorrow at work we let it be known.”
“Dinner can wait just a little while,” she said, slipping her dress strap down again. This time he didn’t stop her; there was only so much a man could take.
***
When Tom waited by Joy’s desk the next day for their break, Sara dropped her lunch bag. Her glasses slid down her nose and she didn’t push them back. “Are you two going out for lunch? Together?”
Joy grabbed her purse. “We are.” Then Tom laced his fingers through hers and they walked out the door.
Seconds later, Sara was on the intercom system. “Tom and Joy just left the office together—holding hands!”
Joy laughed. “She has no idea that thing works in the hallway, too.”
“It’s official at least.” He beamed at her.
“So, my place or yours?”
“Let’s try something different.” He hailed a taxi and whispered the directions to the driver.
“What are you up to? A hotel?”
“There are so many places I’ve wanted to take you, it’s time to catch up.”
The cab dropped them off at the Boston Public Garden, and Tom led her through the park.
“We can’t have sex in public,” she whispered.
“We’re going to ride the swan boats, not each other,” he teased.
Her heart fluttered a bit as the pond came into view. This was exactly the type of thing she’d dreamed of doing with Tom. They climbed aboard and held hands as the boat glided across the lake.
After strolling through the park, they bought frozen lemonades and giant pretzels and returned to the office right at one-thirty. When they burst through the door holding hands, everyone looked at them.