Starting Over

by Erin Cristofoli

  I needed to stop this before it went any further. My conscience screamed at me. My body, however, was telling me a whole different story. My panties grew wet and my mouth went dry; just the idea of being this close to him was driving me nuts.

  I forced myself to think with my head. Closing my eyes, I took a step back and cleared my throat. I managed, “Thank you for steadying me. I think maybe we should get going.”

  Ben groaned loudly. “You are killing me.”

  “What? Me killing you? I’m not the one pressing that into you.” I pointed at his very visibly tented shorts. “I can’t...” I sighed.

  “Well, I can’t help being unbelievably turned on by you. You smell amazing right now. Stop crunching up your nose. You are fucking sexy as hell. And then you need me to save you, and your body feels amazing pressed up against mine, which was unintentional by the way. I told you from day one that I was completely comfortable with my sexuality. I won’t hide the way my body reacts to you. Not like I could anyway.” He grabbed the front of his shorts for effect. “And don’t try to make out like you are immune to me, because I know you aren’t.”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “To hell it doesn’t.”

  “You are still my boss.”

  “So?”

  “So? Does this honestly not complicate our working relationship?”

  “We are friends, too, remember? Friends sometimes become more, don’t they? I happen to think we would be great together.”

  I was flabbergasted. How could I fight him on this and maintain our friendship? “Ben... It doesn’t matter whether I feel anything or not. I can’t and won’t pursue anything with my boss. You may be my friend, but you are my boss first.

  “I don’t understand why not,” he huffed.

  I fought with myself; should I tell him everything? I wasn’t sure I was ready to have him know all my secrets just yet. “Maybe one day I will explain it you, Ben. Until then, I just can’t. I think we should get going. I need to get home.”

  I didn’t wait for an answer from him. After making my way back to the locker rooms, I skipped a shower and quickly changed back in to work-Kate.

  Ben was quiet on our way back to my place. I had dodged a bullet and hoped that we could continue as things were before. Only time would tell.

  Friday had come, and I was feeling frustrated. I wanted to have Kate, and I had her, but only as this unnamed stranger. What else could I possibly do to convince her to give me a chance? Until I had an answer to my question, I was determined to enjoy being with her in every way possible. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn’t seem to help myself.

  I arrived at the club earlier than I normally would. A stiff drink was in order, and I wanted to prepare the room I had reserved.

  When Kate arrived, I was waiting for her by the bar. Almost exactly as I had instructed her, she wore a grey tweed coat, though it was not nearly long enough in the cold weather with it only reaching her knees. My gaze darkened at the sight of her first steps toward me. The sight of her toned thighs peaking out with each step as her coat moved with her made me instantly hard. How was it possible that a simple movement had the ability to completely undo me?

  “Good evening, Sir,” she murmured once she reached me.

  I took her hand and kissed it. “Beautiful. It looks like you listened to my instructions. Come, let’s check your coat.”

  It dawned on me that we were going back to where we had begun. As I looked down at her, a smile played with the corners of her mouth. Clearly, our minds were indeed thinking the same thing.

  We stopped at the desk and she turned to me. “Please allow me to help you with your coat, Kate. You are definitely over-dressed, especially for what I have in mind for you.”

  I undid each button of her coat at a painfully slow speed. Though I would have much preferred to rip the buttons off in my haste to get her amazing body naked, with Kate, I always wanted to take my time. Breathing in a few deep breaths as I reached the last button, I then pulled her coat open and began to slide it over her shoulders. Kate shivered and I smiled. Her chest completely gave away her reaction to this, her breathing ragged.

  Underneath her coat, she adorned a beautifully simple sheer black bra, leaving very little to the imagination, and matching thong panties. Her long legs were barely covered with lace-topped black thigh-high nylons. I would have taken her right there if I hadn’t already prepared our room for the evening.

  “Perfection.” It truly was the only word I could come up with to describe her. I took her hand and led her through the Central Room. About half way to elevators, however, another woman slid into our path, her hand immediately grabbing my cock.

  “Good evening, Sir,” she purred excessively sweetly. “I saw you walking by and had to come say hello, and look what you greet me with! You and I haven’t had a go in while, baby. Fancy a littler reminder? I’m feeling a little lonely here tonight.”

  My back stiffened; I backed away from her unwanted touch, noticing the shocked look on Kate’s face in my peripheral. What the fuck was with this lady? I vaguely remembered some meaningless evening that may or may not have included her. Looking over her shoulder, I motioned to the bartender. There were staff on hand for just such an occasion.

  “First of all, I think you have forgotten your place, so let me remind you. You are a submissive. If you are not here with anyone, your duty is to please any dominant that approaches you. I am a dominant, yes. However, I did not come to you.”

  Behind the woman, a staff member had approached. “So, it seems necessary that you receive a lesson to solidify those pretty basic facts for you. James here will see to that. Good evening.”

  Kate and I watched as the bartender led the woman to the middle of the room, where she was bent over and strapped down to a solid wooden table.

  “Sir? May I ask you a question?” Kate asked me quietly.

  Our eyes met. “Of course, you may always ask me anything.”

  “What is going to happen to her?”

  I began leading her toward the elevators once more. “She is going to be punished for her assumption that she is more here than she is. Kate, she ultimately chose the submissive role. It was presumptuous of her to take liberties with me, especially when I had another submissive on my arm. I imagine she will be paddled or spanked. Any of the dominants on the floor can punish her for her indiscretions.”

  Kate was silent for a moment before asking, “Is that what would happen to me if I disobeyed you?”

  “No, Kate. You are mine and mine alone. If I ever have cause to punish you, it would be at my hand. No one else here will ever punish you.”

  She visibly let out a deep breath.

  When the elevator arrived, I allowed her to enter first, giving her ass a pinch as she passed. A little yelp escaped her mouth, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

  We entered our room, and I wasted no time with her; too much time had already been wasted, and I wanted nothing more than to be inside her. I guided her to stand beside the bed, then instructed to her to take off her remaining clothes and to climb on the bed. While she was doing that, for her viewing pleasure, I slowly shed my own clothes. Her eyes were glued to my growing erection, her gaze ripping through me, fueling my desire.

  Once she was kneeling on the bed, I reached up and secured her arms, wrapping them tightly in soft ropes that were suspended from the ceiling. She watched me, awaiting my next move. I had to step back, only for a moment, so that I could take in the magnificent sight in front of me.

  “Kate, you are unbelievably sexy, tied up that like. I can’t wait any longer. I need to taste you now.” I quickly joined her on the bed, lying on my back right beside her. Grabbing her leg, I forced her to straddle me. “Wow, all right, this is even hotter.”

  She blushed deeply, and then as I shifted myself lower so I could almost taste her, her eyes changed to that of nervousness. “Kate, I don’t want you to be bashful or nervous. I am so turned on by you right now. I am
just dying to make you come. Close your eyes and just feel it.”

  “Yes, Sir,” she murmured.

  As I resumed moving underneath her, I could smell her arousal, and without even touching her, she moaned. I wrapped my arms lightly around her thighs to keep her in place and softly licked her for the first time. Her hips bucked, and I tightened my grip on her. I couldn’t stop now. Her juices were already soaking her and dripping down on to me. I licked her again firmly as she alternated between moans and soft whimpers; no sweeter sounds could my ear hear. When I drove my tongue inside her for a better taste, her hips bucked once again. God, she tasted so good. It was everything I could do not to act like a savage. Her thighs tightened, and I knew it wouldn’t be long. I pressed my thumb against her sweet spot and told her, “Come for me, Kate. Be the dirty girl you know you are and come all over my face.” I plunged my fingers into her pussy then and sucked hard on her clit. Instantly, she came with a scream. If she hadn’t been tied up, she would have collapsed on top of me.

  My erection was getting painful, and I was dying to fuck her, so I moved out from under her long enough to slip on a condom and position myself sitting behind her. She again straddled my hips, her back to my front, and I slowly eased myself into her. She moaned loudly, and I couldn’t stop a growl of my own. I held a firm grip on her hips and slowly lifted her up and back down, her pussy tightening, squeezing me. I was trying very hard not to rush it, but I couldn’t seem to help myself; she felt too good surrounding my cock. I moved her up and down, increasing the speed, her moans calling out with each thrust.

  “Oh, God, Sir! Uh... that’s so good.”

  “That’s right, Kate. Take my cock. I want to you fuck me, baby. Ride me.”

  She immediately took over, giving my hands the chance to cup her breasts and graze her rock hard nipples with my fingertips. She arched her back, pushing her chest further out, letting out a sharp cry when I pinched them a little harder than I had been. I had a feeling that this little minx would enjoy a little bit of pain with her pleasure, which of course I was more than happy to provide. Kate picked up her pace, and I could feel her insides tightening; I too was getting close. I returned my hands to her hips as her orgasm ripped through her. With one more thrust, I released with a loud groan. Untying her arms, I turned her around and held her against my chest.

  Kate’s head rested on my shoulder, and I could feel her breath slowing to normal. I wanted nothing more than to curl up with her in my bed and keep her there, but this wasn’t my home, wasn’t my bed. Kate shifted off of me and began to locate her clothes.

  I walked over to a bag I had brought with me.

  “Here, Kate, I brought some clothes for you to wear home.” I handed her a pair of yoga pants and a royal blue cashmere sweater that I’d picked out for her, and when she put it on, I was right. The color was perfect on her.

  Kate looked at me and blushed. “Thank you, Sir. And thank you for tonight.”

  “Oh, baby, you don’t need to thank me. I enjoyed it just as much as you did, believe me. I look forward to the next time.”

  We walked back through the club, and once we reached outside, I led her to a waiting cab, my arm possessively wrapped around her shoulder. I opened the door her for her, and she stepped in. After quickly paying the driver, I returned my attention to Kate. “Yet another unforgettable night, Kate. Until next time, my sweet.”

  I entered the restaurant exhausted. It had been such a busy week with working both early and late, and it was only Thursday. Jen had called the day before to meet me for lunch and had refused to be put off.

  It wasn’t that I didn’t want to see Jen. She was my best friend, after all, but there were about a thousand different jobs waiting for me on my desk. My mind was completely distracted by that. Jen was already at our table when I slid into the booth with a sigh.

  “I’m sorry I’m late, Jen. Work is crazy hectic.”

  Jen gave me a once-over and then frowned. “You look like you need a vacation. He’s running you ragged, isn’t he?”

  I shook my head. “Nah, we’re just prepping for a big client, and it’s a lot of work.”

  She shook her head again at me. “All right, well, for the next hour, you are not to think about work. At all. Promise me.”

  “Okay, okay. Promise.” I laughed at her.

  The waiter came and took our order, and while we waited, Jen wasted no time with small talk. “All right, so spill. Tell me what’s happening with the mystery man. He still fucking your brains out and giving you the most amazing sex ever?”

  I choked on the sip of water I had just taken. I could always count on Jen to be so shockingly blunt.

  Before I had a chance to respond to her, someone cleared their throat. I looked up to find Ben standing there. Of course. He smiled at me, but the look on his face said more; he had heard what Jen said. Embarrassment coursed through me, and I hung my head to try to compose myself.

  “Kate, I’m surprised to see you here. This must be your friend you’ve told me about. I’m Ben. It’s nice to meet you.”

  Jen gawked ridiculously between us for a moment before returning to her usually cool self. “Believe me, the pleasure is all mine. I’ve heard so much about you!” His responding smile was triumphant, and I wished there were a hole that I could climb in to. Jen and her big mouth.

  “I thought you had a lunch scheduled.” Lame, I know, but it was all I could manage.

  He nodded. “Yup, actually, I was over by the window with a friend when I saw you walk in. Would both you lovely ladies care to join us for lunch?”

  I was about to kindly decline, an excuse of girl talk on the tip of my tongue, but Jen was faster. “Absolutely!” she accepted with just a little – okay, a lot – of over excitement in her voice.

  Jen was already halfway across the room before I had even stood. Ben waited for me, allowing me to lead the way, but I became very aware of his hand that grazed the small of my back. Why was the softest of touches the sexiest feeling ever? It was like my senses were always heightened around Ben, but my mind couldn’t find focus.

  Jen had sat down in the booth beside who I imagined was Ben’s friend, forcing me to sit beside Ben.

  “Kate, this is Liam, my oldest and most annoying friend. Liam, this is Kate, and I’m sure you’ve already introduced yourself to Jen.”

  Liam reached over to shake my hand. “Ah, Kate, it is nice to finally meet you. It’s nice to be able to put a face to the name that I seem to always hear about.”

  Ben looked sharply at Liam and cleared his throat. “Liam, do shut up now, won’t you.”

  Liam laughed openly and heartily at Ben’s clear embarrassment.

  All of our entrees arrived, and I was surprised by just how hungry I was; the long hours I had been putting in were taking their toll. I listened quietly to the conversation between my other three lunch mates. Both Jen and Liam seemed to be very much alike, both loud and pushy, and it wasn’t long before a playful banter started between them. My mind began to wander when I didn’t have anything to contribute to the conversation.

  “Uh, Kate?”

  I blinked and looked at Jen, who was gazing at me quizzically. “Yes?”

  “You haven’t heard a word we’ve said, have you?” I just shrugged. “I asked if you wanted to join me in the Ladies’?”

  I nodded and rose from my seat. We made our way to the washroom, and weren’t even three steps through the door before Jen spun around and practically shrieked, “So that’s your boss?”

  When I nodded, fixing my hair in one of the mirrors, as if it were no big deal, she continued her rant. I wasn’t fooling anyone.

  “Oh my God, woman, you are so in trouble! In none of the times we’ve spoke about him, you did not mention he was THAT hot. In fact, you purposely went out of your way to avoid describing him when you’ve spoken about him! And now I know why! ‘Cause he is so fucking hot and you didn’t want to share him with me! Ugh, no wonder you want him so badly!”

&n
bsp; “Whoa, whoa, whoa. I don’t want him, Jen. Seriously. He is my boss and my friend, but that’s where it stops.”

  She just looked at me, unconvinced. “Uh huh. Sure, Kate, if you want to live in denial, okay. I still think you have the hots for him. Admit it. He’s hot!”

  I sighed. “You already know that I think he’s hot. In fact, he’s probably the most perfect man ever, and I can’t have him. I would appreciate it if you would drop it.”

  Silence filled the air as we freshened up. As I was drying my hands on a paper towel, Jen came up beside me. “I know you want me to stop, and I will, but I just have to say one last thing. I can see the way that he has been looking at you over lunch. He wants you, and I suspect that you want him just as much. You are just too scared and stubborn to admit it. You really should think more on this. Is a job really all that much more important than seeing where your relationship with Ben could take you? You could always find another job.”

  I glared at her.

  “All right, all right! I’ve said what I needed to. I’ll leave you to your own decisions. But if you decide not to go for him after all is said and done, can I totally have him?”

  “Don’t even think about it,” was my immediate sharp reply. I knew it was completely ridiculous, the instant jealousy that surged through me, but that didn’t stop it from rearing its ugly head.

  Jen chuckled at me and then whispered in my ear, “That’s what I thought.” She then turned and left the washroom, leaving me trailing behind her, speechless.

  Once we rejoined the men at the table, Ben turned and murmured to me, “Everything okay?” I nodded. “I really have to get back to the office. I have so much to get done before our meeting on Monday,” Ben said, nodding.

  The waiter brought the bill, and I went to reach for my purse when Ben practically growled quietly at me, “Please don’t tell me you were thinking of paying. We invited you to sit with us. Did you think I would actually allow you to pay for anything?”