0 comments/ 29348 views/ 0 favorites Competing By: C-Whyte Mary was eying up the small cakes in the coffee shop display. She already had a buttered muffin on her tray to go with the latte she had ordered, but there was a nagging desire to grab something with cream or icing as well. She was resisting because she knew it was comfort food but her resolve was weakening as she felt she needed some comfort right now. "Honey!" Slender bare arms wrapped themselves around Mary's waist, fingers with too many rings clasped to hold her and deep red lipstick was deposited on her cheek by the woman leaning over Mary's shoulders. It could only be one person. "Hello Kat," Mary grunted, prising herself free from her friend's grasp. "Oh .. naughty. No donuts unless you're going to join my aerobics class." Kat said grabbing her own tray and dumping a piece of chocolate cake on it. "Sigh, I know. Straight to my thighs." "Hey, why so down?" "It's .. personal." "Do tell." Kat grabbed a fruit juice so that she wouldn't have to wait for a coffee as Mary's had just arrived. "Okay, a quiet little booth and then you can tell." Any other day, thought Mary, and she would have been glad to see her friend. Then she thought about it and realised that Kat was probably just who she needed. The pair took their lunches out onto the little balcony that overlooked the street and the noise of cars passing provided the privacy they needed. "It's Geoff. He's having an affair." "What!" Kat looked genuinely surprised. "Are you sure? How do you know?" "Well .. it's little things .." Kat jumped straight in. "So you've no proof." "No. But it's lots of little things. He's spending more time at the office, he comes home tired, he .. we .. we're not making love any more. He's lost interest." "Um, reality check." Kat frowned, knowing her friend wasn't going to like what was coming next. "You put your love life on hold, remember?" Mary blushed. She really did tell her friend everything, all the things she was too embarrassed to tell her husband. "The infection's cleared up now, but even though I've hinted Geoff isn't interested." "You didn't tell him about the infection, you didn't tell him why you didn't want to have sex and now you're wondering why he's not picking up hints? Mary - no wonder you're not getting shagged." "Or he's having an affair." Mary said, stirring another spoonful of sugar into her coffee. "If he's having an affair. Do you have a suspect?" "Devon, his boss. She's so pretty, legs up to .." "I know her," Kat cut in. "We met at that dinner party at your place last month." "Oh yes. You two really got on with each other." Mary murmured. "So you know what I'm up against. She's gorgeous and she wears those slutty outfits." "Like me?" Kat joked, then became serious again when she saw the pain clearly etched on her friend's face. "Look - proof before you worry yourself into the ground. If he's late tonight ring his number and see if he's in the office, and if he is, ring Devon's number and see if she's there too. Go through his pockets. "We'll meet here for lunch tomorrow, and if he is having an affair .. well then we'll work on a battle plan to deal with it." Mary smiled. She was so glad that Kat hadn't dismissed her fears out of hand. ## Mary was even more depressed the next day as the pair took their balcony table again. "I have proof," she said simply, and stuffed a spoonful of mud cake into her mouth. "He was at the office with Devon. He even admitted it, made up some story about Devon asking him to stay late to help her move furniture." "Well, suspicious but not impossible." "So I went through his jacket pockets while he was in the shower and I found a pair of panties, red satin with black lace. Not even fresh, they needed to be washed." Kat started to come up with possible explanations but she could see that Mary had already made up her mind so she shut up. "What am I going to do, Kat?" Mary whispered. "I still love him but I can't compete with Devon." "Yes you can!" Kat stated emphatically. "I promised you yesterday that we would have a battle plan and we will. As I see it you have three options; divorce, surrender or fight. "Divorce - you gather some more evidence and take him to the cleaners .." "No." "Surrender - you go on being the good little wife and accept that your husband is making love to another woman." "No." "Then that just leaves fight. You have to compete with Devon and you have to win." "I can't compete with Devon," Mary protested. "She's better looking than me, she has that fantastic body, the hair, the clothes .." "You can compete. Devon isn't that much prettier than you .." Mary had enough self-image to look hurt. ".. the hair comes out of a salon and you have a definite advantage in clothes." "No I don't. She has all those dresses with cleavage and splits and things. I have nothing like that." "Which is part of the problem," Kat teased her. "But you do have an advantage in clothes; Devon's limited to what she can wear to the office - you are limited to what you can wear in your house." Kat arched her eyebrows suggestively. "You don't mean I should lounge around the house in a frilly nightie like some old tart?" "No." Kat stated firmly, waited until Mary's tense posture relaxed, then hit her with the finisher. "I'm thinking baby-dolls, stockings, six inch heels, some lingerie that doesn't cover all access points." Mary almost fell out of her chair. Her mouth opened, closed and opened again without her saying anything. "Right," Kat said. "Call your work, tell them you're taking the afternoon off and then we're going shopping." "I can't," Mary finally found the voice to protest. Kat reached into Mary's bag, took out her cell phone and easily fended the smaller woman off as she hit 2 on the speed dial. "Hello. This is Dr. Patton. Mary can't come in to work this afternoon because of a personal problem. I would be glad to tell you what it is in detail .. very well then. Thank you." Kat switched off the phone and smiled impishly at Mary who looked absolutely horrified. ## "So, how'd it go? What did you wear?" Kat demanded, leaning over the table. Mary spooned sugar into her latte and eyed up her half eaten éclair in preference to making eye contact with her friend. "Okay, sort of. I wore that satin chemise but it was too short and you could see my panties, and those stockings wouldn't stay up so I gave up on them. And my dressing gown." Seeing Kat roll her eyes in despair, Mary went on, "It was cold, and it was the nice pink one you gave me for my birthday last year." Kat sighed. "At least tell me how the sex went." Mary blushed, and took a big bite of her éclair to give herself some time. Kat waited though and Mary knew she couldn't escape. "Well, Geoff was more surprised than excited I think. We kissed in the hall, I made him a drink and sat beside him in the lounge and we sort of kissed a bit more. Then we went to bed and cuddled for a bit. Geoff was pretty tired." Mary concluded lamely. "Probably already shot his bolt," Kat teased and then had to resist the urge to apologise. Mary needed to toughen up, maybe get a bit angry, if Kat's plan was to work. "Okay," Kat said. "Here's what you need to do if you want to be first on Geoff's list." "I want to be the only person on Geoff's list," Mary said, finishing off her éclair while listening to Kat. ## Mary had thought of staying home for lunch but she knew Kat would track her down. So she wearily made her way to what was becoming their special table out on the balcony. Kat was waiting and could barely contain herself as Mary put her coffee and cheesecake down on the table. "Details," Kat demanded eagerly. "The waist cincher?" "I tried," Mary said weakly. "But it was too tight for me to do up the clips and I couldn't get the suspenders to look right." "Sigh. I'll come around tonight and show you how to do it. So what did you wear?" "Pink stockings, with the stretchy bit at the top. The french-knickers, a cami and my old pink heels." Mary said quietly. "No bathrobe," she added to give herself some credibility. "I turned up the central heating instead." "And the sex?" "Do you really .." "Yes. I need to know so we can spot the critical point where he prefers you to Devon." "We cuddled on the couch, and he rubbed my breasts through the cami and it was quite nice, but when we went to bed he was still a bit hesitant and we just sort of played around with each other. I think he came." Mary sounded like a kid trying to bargain a D up to a C minus on her report card. "What time does Geoff get home tonight?" Kat asked. "About six." "Right. I'll be there at five. I'll dress you. You won't change anything. And tomorrow you'll tell me about how he ravished you on the doorstep in front of all the neighbours." Mary sank in her chair and wished she had some ordered whipped cream to go with her cheesecake. ## "I felt like a complete tart!" Mary protested as soon as Kat arrived at their table the next day. "I don't even know what you call some of the stuff you dressed me in. Where the hell did you get it? We certainly didn't buy it the other day." "Basque, re-enforced elasticised waist, underwired half cups, eight suspenders." Kat rattled of as though Mary needed to know. "From one of my favourite shops downtown. It's a shame we're not closer in size, I could let you borrow such sexy stuff." "Don't." "But it's working." Kat said. "Geoff was home early, I had to slip out the back. No fireworks on the front step though, I noticed." "I couldn't go to the door dressed like that! I waited for him in the lounge." Mary paused. "He did look excited though. Eager for once." "There you go." Mary frowned but couldn't hold it. "We .. we had sex last night .. sort of." "Sort of? What does that mean?" "He penetrated, for the first time in ages. But, it didn't last very long. We didn't cuddle much before either." Kat took Mary's hand, pulling it away from the chocolate chip biscuit she had been reaching for. "Sometimes, darling, sometimes you have to settle for hot, passionate sex followed by a cuddle. With men two thirds of the foreplay is in the packaging - and we're making you into a hot package." Mary blushed but it was less embarrassment this time. "I suppose you want to do this again tomorrow, get all the lewd details over lunch." "Nope." Kat smiled at her friend's surprised and slightly disappointed reaction. "Tomorrow is Friday. Tomorrow I want you to put on your sexiest lingerie, your most decadent perfume and your shortest skirt and highest heels. I want you to go to Geoff's office at lunchtime and have a quickie on his desk." "I can't!" Mary protested. "You can. You will. Pre-empt the competition, don't give them a look in." "But what if Devon is there? They share an office." "All the better," Kat laughed. "I'll get the details when we go shopping on Saturday morning. ## "It was so embarrassing," Mary complained as they walked through the mall. "I felt like a hooker wobbling in those heels. One of the office juniors wolf-whistled me." "And you did the dirty deed on his desk?" Kat asked, steering her friend into a trendy clothing store. "Not with him!" Mary protested. "I meant with Geoff, honey." Kat tried not to laugh. "Oh. Yes. We put a travel rug on the floor and .. it was good. It wasn't 'sort of'. It was nearly like when we first got married." "Almost there then." Kat commented, and plucked a skimpy black dress off the rack. "Too small, dear." Mary gently ribbed her less than petite friend. "Not for me, 'dear'," Kat gave right back and held the dress up to Mary's body. "No. No way!" "Yes way. We have to set you up for the whole weekend. Oh, and did I mention you and Geoff have reservations for Piaza Italiana tonight? Very private booths and very discrete waiters." "Wow. Thanks." "Your thanks will be details on Monday." Kat said, and dragged Mary even deeper into the store. ## The first thing Kat noticed was the small filter coffee and asparagus roll in front of her best friend. The next was the electric blue dress with a neckline that was almost daring. It looked hopeful. She sat down, jolting Mary out of a daydream. "First off," Kat said, not giving Mary a chance to get a word in, "Please tell me you wore the L'Chic to the restaurant after all the trouble we had getting your hair right for it." "Yes. And I didn't wear any pantyhose in the end." Mary said with something akin to pride. "Okay. Fancy restaurant, good food, private booth, good looking husband, sexy dress - details girl." "Well, we held hands, and talked. About having children. And Geoff was kissing me. We could hear the couple in the next booth .. doing it." "So?" Kat was halfway across the table in her eagerness to hear the next juicy bit. "We thought that if we could hear them, other people might be able to hear us, so we didn't go any further." Kat slammed back into her chair. Mary flinched under her friend's angry gaze. "I did .. I did help Geoff under the table." She added to alleviate her shortcoming. Kat looked blank, so Mary explained, "Gave him a hand job." "Wonder if I can get a refund," Kat muttered. "Couple failed to copulate in spite of your claims to an 'air of romance pervades the restaurant'." "Don't you dare!" Mary said forcefully, then realised Kat was teasing her. "Besides, it wasn't wasted. We skipped the movie and went straight home. It was good .. both times." Kat reflected Mary's smile. "And Sunday?" "Well, I wore the silly apron and cap like you wanted, served him breakfast in bed. But I didn't like it, it was just silly and a bit demeaning." "If it didn't work for you, then it didn't work. How about the rest of the day." "We lounged around in bed and played some silly games until lunch time, then we had a bath together. That didn't work very well either, our bath is too small. What are you writing?" "Just making a note to book you a hotel room with a spa. Carry on." "We went roller-skating in the park." Kat arched an eyebrow. "Yes, I wore the tank top, hot pants and knee socks. Everyone was looking at me, at least until Geoff took off his shirt. A couple of teenage girls hit on him! I was so angry I nearly bit their heads off. Didn't do much for our sex life either, we were so tired and sore afterwards that we just had another bath and went to bed." "Where you .. cuddled?" "Yes, but we didn't have sex." Mary said angrily, then clasped her hands to her mouth when she realised what she was objecting to. "So, what have you got planned for tonight when hubby comes home?" "Nothing. I think we're both still too sore to want to .. do anything." "That's the best time to do it," Kat reached in to her bag and pulled out a small purple bottle for her. "What's this?" Mary asked, taking it and looking for a label. "Massage oil." ## "Kat, I've got a bone to pick with you!" Mary stated, slamming her coffee on the table. Kat put a paper napkin down as a dam to stop the spilled coffee running off the table and on to her legs. "Problem?" she asked sweetly. "Our bedroom is a mess. The sheets and the rug are ruined. There's oil everywhere. We're probably going to have redecorate, new wallpaper. Does that stuff even wash out?" "But did you enjoy yourselves," Kat countered, enjoying a vision of how the couple had managed to ruin the wallpaper. Mary sat down, and giggled as her annoyance faded. "It was fun. It was so .. tingly when he poured the oil on. Maybe we should have warmed it first. He's always had nice hands, and he tended to all my little aches - especially the bruise on my ass I got from roller-skating. It was like .. being licked all over. "And when I did Geoff .. it felt almost as nice running my hands over his body as having him fondle my body. I couldn't touch his cock though - it looked like it was going to explode and I didn't want to waste it." Mary 'eeped' and clapped her hands over her mouth. She had been daydreaming out loud and the fascinated smile of Kat's just made it worse. "You can't stop now," Kat said, brushing a stray hair away from her face. "That would be cruel." "There's .. there's not much else to tell." Mary said as she composed herself. "We had sex afterwards but it was all a bit silly, and messy. We were so greasy that we were sliding all over the place. Geoff couldn't hold on to me. I banged my head on the skirting board and I think he sprained his wrist." "But?" "But," Mary leaned forward and put her mouth by her friend's ear, "I had two orgasms!" "You go girl!" Kat enthused and gave her friend a huge hug. "It gets better," Mary beamed. "Devon called him this morning, asked him to work late. He refused." "Mission accomplished." Kat declared, and kissed Mary full on the lips. ## Mary enjoyed the stares. The open lust of the guys, the even more rabid envy of the women. Red silk wasn't something any woman could wear, to have it strapless and slit to almost the hip took some serious preparation. Her undergarments alone had cost a fortune. She could, of course, have just waited in the car for Geoff. That's what she did in the past. She could have gone straight through to his office and given Geoff's work mates only a passing glimpse of her. But she wanted to mark her territory, show the other women in Geoff's office what they would be competing with if they had any designs on her husband. Only it was Devon who came out to meet her. The woman was still stylishly attractive Mary had to admit, but no longer intimidatingly so. She also looked rather pensive as she approached. "Mary, Geoff will be a few minutes. Could we talk?" Mary nodded assent and followed Devon in to the office she shared with Geoff. Mary was pleased to see the two desks were apart, in their own separate spaces. "Mary. With Geoff and Kat in common I was hoping we could be friends too. I thought we were, but you've been rather cold towards me recently. I want to know if I've done anything to offend you." Mary was almost bowled over. How could this woman ask a question like that? How dare she be upset by Mary treating her badly. "I would ask Geoff," Devon continued. "But he's been rather distracted lately. And Kat has just been coy and silly about it. I haven't been able to get a straight answer out of her, which doesn't make sense since she's your best friend. I'm confused, can you tell me what's wrong?" "You had an affair with my husband - and you have the gall to ask what's upsetting me?" Mary couldn't hold it in any longer. There was a good chance that the rest of the office had just heard that outburst but it wouldn't embarrass her until later. "An affair - with Geoff?" Devon was stunned. "I never .. I wouldn't. Mary, please believe me, there's nothing like that between me and Geoff." Mary crossed her arms over her chest and stared her disbelief at the other woman. "Mary - I'm in a relationship with Kat. I thought you knew? We've been seeing each other since your dinner party." Mary had to sit down suddenly, not something the dress was designed for and there was a delicate ripping noise from somewhere near the waist. She had to think about this, Devon seemed so genuine that Mary had to believe her. But if Geoff wasn't having an affair with her, then with who? Or at all? It suddenly struck her. Kat wasn't above pulling a practical joke, she had been responsible for some of the most intricate ones ever pulled at their college. And Kat, while she had always had a steady supply of boyfriends, had never really been much more than a friend to them. God, how could she have shared a dorm room with Kat, been her closest friend, and not known she was gay. Or maybe she had. Maybe it was something that never affected their friendship so she didn't worry about it. Competing "Devon. Why did you ask Geoff to stay late and re-arrange the furniture?" "Kat's just got into feng shui or some such. She came to the office, which isn't like her, and insisted that the desks were in the wrong place. Of course she didn't hang around to help." "Was Geoff here?" "No, he was taking a late lunch." "But his jacket was here?" "Yes, I think so. He tends to drape it over the back of his chair." "Panties. Red satin. Black trim." Devon blushed. "Yes, I have .. had a pair like that." "I found them in my husband's jacket pocket." Mary said quite matter-of-factly. It was a front, inside she was coming to a conclusion and she was going to be very angry with someone. "What? Oh gawd - that was why I couldn't find them after Kat and I .. Oh, the bitch!" There was a moment of silence as both woman made sense of the last few days, into this silence entered a very confused Geoff. "What's going on?" he asked of the air in general. "Mrs Timms scowled at me and Greg hi-fived me." Then he saw his wife was in the room with Devon. "Oh hello honey. Wow - okay you look so good I can see why Greg was congratulating me." "You're on your own for the rest of the day, Geoff," Devon said picking up her hand bag. "Mary and I are going to have lunch and plot revenge." "Not against me I hope?" Geoff asked, only half joking. "No darling," Mary rose to her feet and gave him a passionate kiss. "You're the only one in this mess who is entirely blameless." "Thanks. I think. Does this mean I miss having lunch with two beautiful women?" "Don't worry honey," Mary said as she linked arms with Devon. "I'll more than make it up to you tonight." ## Kat let herself in to Mary and Geoff's house with her key and called out: "Mary, are you home? What was it you wanted to tell me? It sounded urgent on the phone." Only it was Devon who met her. Devon wearing high heels, thigh high stockings and the skimpiest imaginable baby-doll nightie. "Oh Kat," she giggled like a teenage girl, "You were right. Geoff is such a wonderful lover, man enough for me and Mary." Before Kat could respond, Devon skipped happily back into the lounge she had come out of. Kat followed, and found Geoff sitting on the couch with a canary eating grin sandwiched in between Devon and Mary who was wearing an identical outfit. Both of the women seemed intent on fondling and kissing Geoff, and oblivious to Kat's horrified expression. "But! But!" Kat said, "This wasn't what was supposed to happen." That was too much for the three people on the couch and they burst out laughing, Geoff admittedly less heartily than the two women. "Oh, your face - priceless!" Devon said and gave Geoff another hug, although this one was more friendly than affectionate. "Hoist on her own petard," Mary grinned. "Oh you .. wenches," Kat sagged with relief. "Okay, you got me." "It's not over yet," Mary said as she slid away from her husband and stood up. "That was just revenge. Now comes the punishment." Kat was worried. She looked to Devon for support and saw that she wasn't going to get any help from her lover. "This way," Mary beckoned to her friend. "We got you a special outfit to go with your duties for the week." A very much subdued Kat followed to the guest bedroom where she found a pink satin french-maids uniform waiting for her. "For the next week," Mary explained with an evil smile, "You're our live-in maid. It works out for all of us. I get a week off housework, Geoff gets to perve a pretty woman in a sexy costume and Devon .. well actually Devon gets to perve as well. Now, get dressed Fifi, then you can serve us drinks in the lounge." Mary gave Kat a hard slap on the ass, and left her friend to dress. Competition As always: Thanks to Boheminxen for editing. Without you correcting my awful grammar, this would be mindless drivel. "That insufferable bitch!" Frank pounded a fist into his desk. "Relax." Walt slumped into the black leather chair across from Frank. "After all, Susan is going for the same executive position on the board of directors as you are." "So are you, but I don't see you acting like a child who got their favorite pacifier taken away." Frank ran a hand through his hair while he shook his head. "I mean every idea I had, she fucking shot it down with a flair for the dramatic." "Maybe she's just reacting to you?" Walt countered. "You did the same to her." "She started it from the very first moment she transferred here. And besides, whose side are you on, Walt? Don't tell me you fell victim to her looks and charm, as well. That's probably the only reason she is up for the promotion -- screwed everyone to get to the top." "I'm on your side, Frank." Walt tried to quell his colleague's temper. "I'm just trying to say you haven't been so approachable to her ideas as well." "Because her ideas will bury this company in red ink until we would be forced to lock the doors and all of us will be out on our asses. But if she can get Mr. Prill, a man I worked with for years to question my presentation, what do you think she'll get board of directors to say Monday?" "Well, I see there is no getting through to you while you're in this mood." Walt started to leave but stopped at the door. "Want to get drinks after work?" "Yeah," Frank muttered. "Wait, I can't tonight. I have to change half of my presentation because of her. I'll be here all night." "Well, I'll be at Fubar Tavern if you change your mind." Walt patted the doorjamb before taking his leave. Frank sat at his desk looking over his now worthless presentation. "I hate that fucking cunt," he growled through gritted teeth. "I bet she's in her office right now, laughing her ass off at my expense." # "What a royal fucking asshole!" Susan barked as she slammed her office door. She began going over her notes preparing for the long evening. Carol, Susan's secretary, sighed as she reached for the door to her boss's office. She turned the handle with much trepidation and entered, her two feet stopping just inside the door. "Ms. Lewis, is everything okay?" It was a question she already knew the answer to. "I'm fine -- I'm just have to change a perfect presentation because of that dick, Frank, has the ear of the upper brass." "Do you need me to stay and help?" Carol bit her lip, hoping not. "No, go ahead," Susan replied as her head fell back and a deep breath ensued. "Enjoy the weekend." "Good luck, then." Carol rushed out of the office, not wanting to be called back in if her boss suddenly changed her mind. Susan went back to her work. "What an asshole," she stammered. "I bet he is in his office right now celebrating the torture he put me through." # The hours passed, and the bustling metropolis known as Pemrose Corporation turned into a ghost town as the highest of executives to the lowest of janitors trickled out the doors to start their weekends. With the sunset long gone, Frank finally peeled his eyes from his research to glance at the clock on his wall. He shook his head at the realization that it was almost ten at night, and he was nowhere near being prepared for the Board of Directors Monday. Frank sighed, "It's going to be a long night." Frank went to dive back into his work when he heard a loud banging sound. Startled for the moment, he quickly headed outside of his office and listened. When he heard it again, he deduced it came from the copy room, and it was accompanied by a female voice. Susan kicked the oversized copier. "No!" The papers she had copied started flying past the output tray and spilling all over the floor. "Damn it!" She kicked the side of the machine again. Frank stood in the doorway and chuckled at the sight of Susan on her hands and knees picking up the mess. Despite them being adversaries, he bent down to help collect the multitude of papers strewn across the floor. "I don't need your help," Susan insisted as she reached under the copier to claim yet another sheet of paper. "I see you are working late, too," Frank commented as he began mulling over the paper in his hand. "Only because of you. Hey, what are you doing?" Susan practically ripped the paper from Frank's hand. "Trying to steal my ideas?" "Sorry. I wasn't trying to steal anything. I just glanced down, and something caught my eye," Frank responded with the utmost sincerity. "Yeah, right," Susan rolled her eyes. "No, really," Frank defended himself. "I saw an error." "What? Where?" Susan was skeptical, but felt she couldn't afford not to at least hear him out. She could always double check when she got back to her office. "Right here." Frank pointed to the middle of the page. "That number for purchasing is wrong. It's supposed to be $32,250,926, not $32,025,926." He chastised himself silently for a moment as he realized he just helped his rival. That mistake could have cost her the promotion. He stood. "I need to get back to work." Susan stared numbly at the paper. The mistake pulsed in her face, glaring as clear as day. Frank was right. "Thank you," she mumbled, stunned that she had first made the miscue, but also that Frank of all people would correct it. Two steps out of the copy room, Frank stopped dead in his tracks. It was soft, but he heard it. The bane of his existence just apologized. He turned back and saw her eyes were fixated on that inaccuracy. She wasn't moving. "You're welcome. Are you all right?" Susan came out of her catatonic state with those words and nodded. "Yeah. I just can't believe I did that. Must be because I haven't eaten yet." Frank became conscience of his hunger, having skipped lunch to prepare for the meeting. He shook his head, shocked at what he was about to ask. "Would like to go to dinner at Giovanni's across the street? They have excellent Italian food." "I can't. I have a lot of work." Susan frowned. "So do I, but we both just saw what the lack of nutrition can do to our work. Besides, if you're as thorough at your job as I am, you're already resigned to the fact it's not all being done today. I know I tried." Frank held out his hand. "C'mon, my treat." Susan pondered for a hesitant moment before taking Frank's hand. "All right, but we're going dutch." It was a muted walk to the restaurant. Each step was masked in uneasiness as each felt like they were marching toward a firing squad. Only when they entered the establishment did a sense of comfort fall over them, grateful for the other patrons. They were sat at a quiet table in the back, away from the raucous of a wedding's rehearsal dinner. "Ah, look at the well-dressed couple," Vito, the waiter, announced jovially with a heavy Italian accent. "Did you two just come from the opera house down the street?" "Not a couple," Susan rejected, a sudden miffed surprise crossing her features. "Yeah, we're work colleagues," Frank added. "You two should be." Vito leaned into Frank and gestured to Susan. "Look at her, eh? Such an exquisite creature!" He moved to Susan and waved in Frank's direction. "And he certainly is a handsome beau, don't you think?" He smiled for a moment as he let his words sink in and then stood, his expression neutral. "What may I interest the two of you in ordering?" After Vito left, silence ensued, each unsure of what to say. When their waiter rejoined Frank and Susan, he filled two glasses with wine. Over the course of dinner, the glasses were refilled at a steady pace. The alcohol soothed the vast, awkward silence between them and crumbled the guarded walls both had until conversation flowed. Topics came up and dismissed the previous until finally, business was at hand. "You know, that really was a creative concept you had." Frank tipped his glass in Susan's direction with a thoughtful smile. "From what I saw, it was a well-outlined strategy. I apologize I dismissed it so quickly at the meeting." "Thanks. And I'm sorry for my behavior too." Susan laughed while emptying her glass. "Your theories have merit as well. It's unfortunate there's only one position available. If we merge the two ideas, we could have sent this company into another stratosphere." "The company's profits would soar." Frank agreed and took another drink. "Do you like to dance? I know a great place not far from here." "I'd love to." Susan smiled. The two left the restaurant, hand in hand, and hailed a cab. "To the Whirl Room!" Frank declared to the driver as he slipped his arm around Susan. The night bore on as the two drank and danced, merrily losing their inhibitions. First, his tie was abandoned and soon followed by a couple buttons from her blouse. They laughed and enjoyed themselves to the fullest. By the time they were forced to leave the establishment due to the closing hour, they were already unsteady on their feet and slurring their words. "Oh, hey, look," Susan giggled as she pointed across the street, "There's a hotel... how convenient!" "Perfect!" Frank grabbed Susan at the waist and stumbled into the road. Two steps into the street, a loud car horn blared and with it the sound screeching tires. Frank slapped the hood of the taxi that just barely stopped in time. "Hey, I'm walkin' here!" Susan swung her purse at the annoying cab, and it nearly caused her to fall forward. "Yeah, and I'm trying to get laid here!" The poor cab driver didn't even respond to the couple's outburst. His hands were clutching his chest, and he was concentrating on taking deep breaths, ever thankful he didn't run over the two inebriated pedestrians. Frank and Susan were both holding each other up when Frank threw his credit card down in front of the receptionist behind the desk. He squinted to read her nametag. "Harriet, I want the finest room so me and," he hiccupped, "My lady can," and he gyrated his hips as he threw his arms in the air, "Get it on!" "Yeah," Susan added with an exaggerated wag of her finger and then rubbed herself against Frank with a lopsided grin and low purr, "The sooner the better too missy." With an amused look, Harriet swiped the card and handed the two intoxicated souls a pair of electronic key cards. "You are all set, sir. Just go to the elevator right there, and George will take you to the top floor. Enjoy your stay at the Dunesbury Hotel." George tried to focus on the numbers of the floors they were passing instead of the heated battle of tongues that was transpiring behind him. For the first time in his forty-year career, he felt claustrophobic in the little box. With a sigh of relief, he announced the couple's floor, and the doors opened. "Your suite is the one on the left, sir." "Thanks, guy." Frank went to hand him a tip, but the twenty dollar bill fell to the floor. When he stepped into the hallway, Susan had already opened the door to the room. "Hey, wait for me." He scrambled toward the room and could only laugh when he slammed his shoulder into the doorjamb. "Oops!" Susan saw it and had a brief bout of hysterical giggles. "Come here, you." She grabbed him by the other arm and mashed her lips into his. Luckily, the door was weighted, and it closed on its own as the two were simply beyond caring. Frank reached for her blouse while Susan attacked his belt. A flurry of garments were flung left and right while the two did their best to stay conjoined at the lips. Finally undressed, Susan dropped to her knees and engulfed his cock. Frank's head fell and a moan escaped his lips. Susan's head seemed to glide effortlessly back and forth. Frank's hands went to her shoulders, more to steady himself than anything else. The feeling was euphoric as her warm, wet mouth and slick throat continued to envelope his shaft. At that moment, Frank wanted nothing more than to have Susan feel the same. He bent down, tugged her up into his arms, and kissed her sloppily. Without warning, he catapulted her onto the bed. He crawled with a bit of drool hanging from his lips as he went in between her legs, licking his lips. He dove in, craving her sweet juices. He alternated lapping his tongue and driving it deep into her channel. His fingers were not to be outdone. He reached up and massaged her breasts, molding and shaping them into different geometric forms. He then brought them down in a swift movement to join in the same fun his tongue was enjoying. Her inner thighs became a testing ground for the new contours Frank felt he could create with his massages. He snickered into her chasm when the thought struck him that he should have been a geometry teacher. Done with math, he changed positions with his mouth. He swirled his tongue around her clit and assailed two fingers into her abyss. Susan was moaning her satisfaction and when he began to nibble her pearl, she grabbed hold of his head as her body came in ecstasy. Frank moved up between her legs. Lust filled both of their eyes. Simultaneously, with a rapturous kiss, Frank pushed down, and Susan propelled her body upward, causing his cock to sink to the hilt. Their pelvises now combined, a feral look graced both their faces. Each knew they wanted, needed what was to happen next. Frank pulled back and then thrust forward, taking it slow. Susan matched him perfectly, relaxing and then arching her back to accept him fully again. They developed a rhythm, and their speed increased. He plunged into her velvet canal, and she rocked on his rigid pole. Frank's movements erred on the rough side, his throbbing cock pounding into her, as he felt his impending satisfaction build. Susan, not to be outdone, was bucking feverishly into him. Frank let out a loud groan as he buried into her one last time. Susan wailed as an intense orgasm flowed through every ounce of her very being. Both were breathing heavily as Frank collapsed next to Susan. They gave each other a tender kiss before passing out. ~*~ "What – the – fuck." Frank drew out the words as he rubbed his head with both his hands. His eyes peered through the slits of his fingers to an unfamiliar ceiling. He bolted upright, and then grabbed his head again to keep the room from spinning. "Where am I?" "What happened last night?" Susan threw her legs off the bed and sat up. Her eyes opened, but everything was a blur. "Where in the hell am I?" Her head jerked around. The two individuals, who couldn't have been more intimate with each other a mere eight hours ago, were now once again at a standoff. "Susan?" "Frank?" The two stared at each other in disbelief. "I need a shower." Susan stood, wrapped a sheet around herself, and headed for the bathroom. Frank went about the task of collecting clothes. As he got dressed, he contemplated what he could remember. 'Dinner. I remember dinner. I'm pretty sure we went dancing after. That was fun. My ex never went dancing. But where are we now?' Frank looked around and saw the room service menu for the Dunesbury Hotel. Shit. Judging by the size of the suite, he realized he was going to have one hell of a credit card statement to look forward to. Might as well add to it. He ordered aspirin and breakfast. Not knowing what Susan's stomach or his for that matter could handle, he requested a small variety of everything. He then walked to the bathroom, knocked, and opened the door an inch. "I'm just bringing you your clothes." He reached in and set the garments on the counter before quickly jerking back out and shutting the door. Frank went and sat on the bed, deep in thought. 'I'm confident I had a great time. Must have if we ended up here. If nothing else, I still remember dinner and most of our conversation. Susan was nothing like she is in the office. She was funny and insightful. I haven't had a woman in my life for far too long. I don't even care about the price of this room. I wonder what Susan thinks of the situation? Could she accept me? I doubt it.' He sighed and rubbed his face again. Susan stood under the cascading water. She didn't want to come out as she was trying to replay how she ended up at a hotel with Frank Paxton of all people. 'I remember dinner. He shocked me with how cordial he was. He was a gentleman, and he was smart and engaging. I remember dancing. He was surprisingly graceful and light on his feet. I used to love dancing, but my career put a halt to that... I'm certain I had a wonderful time. What does Frank think of me now? He'll probably tell the whole office I'm a slut. Anything to cost me the promotion. Maybe he won't. He did bring me my clothes. What the fuck do I do?' Susan let out a sigh and turned off the water. Drying off, she heard a knock on the door, but not the bathroom door. She listened as she got dressed. "Room service." Frank opened the door. "Thank you, right over there, please." He pointed to a dining room table. "I'm Henry, and I'll be taking care of you this morning." The waiter rolled the cart over to where instructed. "So did you and the Missus enjoy your evening, sir?" He took the plates off the cart and arranged them on the table. He then poured two glasses full of orange juice and set the bottle of aspirin next to the carafe. "Yes, of course." Frank didn't want to have to explain the situation, so he lied. "I'm glad to hear it, sir." Henry walked over to Frank. "Do you require anything else? A morning paper or the maid, perhaps?" "No, thanks. Here you go, my good man." Frank handed the waiter a tip. "Thank you, sir." Henry shut the door as he left. Frank took his seat and thought about how he might convince Susan to see him socially again. Without the alcohol. He was startled out of his unanswered quandary when Susan walked up. "You must be hungry." Susan gave a light, nervous chuckle. "I wasn't sure what you would like so I kind of got some of everything," Frank responded sheepishly. Susan expected confidence, not the whispered tone she received. If this were a ploy, he would have been bolder in his response. That was encouraging. "Well, I'm positive I can't eat half of this food, but I will take some French toast." Frank breathed a sigh of relief, happy she was willing to sit down and eat something with him but because he also ordered the French toast. Nervous about asking, he decided to let a few minutes pass before opening dialogue again. "Nice room, huh?" Why was asking this woman out so tough? Was it because of their months of harsh history? Susan gazed at him intently. "Yeah, it's nice." She took a drink of her juice. "Don't worry, I'll help you pay for it." What was he up to? Frank admonished himself as Susan clearly misunderstood what he was after. "No, no, it's not necessary. It was my pleasure." He mentally smacked himself for saying the word pleasure, uncertain how she would react to any perceived reference to last night. Susan thought to come back with sarcasm. Something like 'I bet it was' but honestly didn't want to break the pleasant streak he was exhibiting, even though it was awkward. "No, I want to. Besides I remember you paid for dinner and dancing, and we were supposed to go dutch." Frank decided to stop acting as if he was some lame high school kid again. He took a drink and took a deep breath before making eye contact. "Susan, I know we had our differences, and that's putting it mildly, but I had a wonderful evening with you. I would like to know if you are willing to try it again sometime." Susan's eyes went wide in shock. She thought he was building up to something. Maybe a hoax or candid camera – anything to get her to lower her defenses. "Sorry, I thought I'd take a shot." Frank stood. Frank took a couple steps, but Susan stopped him by grabbing his arm. "Is this on the level?" Competition Relief swept over Frank at the knowledge that she was at least thinking about it. "Yes, it is." He sat back down and held Susan's hand in his. "I enjoyed last night, and that was because of the great woman I was with. I promised myself that if I found someone I could connect with again, I wouldn't squander it by making the same mistakes. Life's too short to live on work alone." A single tear descended down Susan's cheek as Frank bared his feelings. It too had been far too long since she had a man care about her. "All right. We can give it a try." She smiled and nodded. "When would you like to do this?" "How about today? Right now?" Frank responded with a childish grin full of excitement. "I don't know." Susan became apprehensive. "What about work? Remember Monday's presentation?" "I can finish mine tomorrow. Can you?" "I suppose I can. Promise?" Susan already knew if they had a phenomenal time today, she would blow off working tomorrow if he'd ask. With that, she would just resent him Monday. Frank thought Susan was still skeptical, but he didn't blame her. He would just have to prove to her that he was sincere. "I promise, I swear, Scout's honor, cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye, and any other idiom you can think of." Susan chuckled, "All right, then. What do you have in mind?" "Well, I recommend we go home to change and meet at the park at noon. Sound good?" Frank couldn't help the enthusiasm slipping into his voice. With a nod, Susan agreed, "It's a date." After a quick shower and shave, Frank changed into a pair of blue jeans and a black polo shirt. He arrived at the park a half hour early and was humming a little tune to keep his nerves in check. Susan stared at her closet, looking for the perfect outfit. She was surprisingly giddy as she thumbed through the garments. She chose a red sundress and with a skip to her step, arrived at the park with five minutes to spare. Frank gave Susan a big smile and took her by the hand. "You look absolutely radiant." Susan briefly blushed at the compliment. "So, what do you have in mind Frank?" The day was packed with everything and nothing: a walk in the park, a visit to the museum, dinner at a fancy restaurant, and of course, dancing. Conversation began casually enough with the basic idle chitchat: work, weather, and goals for the future dominating the discussion in the park. At the museum, the dialogue between the two loosened. Humorous quips slipped into the exchanges, each making light at certain features on the ancient artifacts they passed. Dinner brought out their friendly banter even further, each of them truly enjoying the company of their companion. Not much was articulated while dancing, but the movements from their bodies spoke volumes. The awkwardness from the morning disappeared completely as they flowed together in harmony with the music. The day proved eye opening to each of them. Alcohol may have been the catalyst the night before, but their faded memories of what transpired were reaffirmed. They both had a great time with a person they previously felt was an antagonist. "I had a wonderful evening." Frank leaned in and pecked Susan on the lips. The corners of Susan's lips arched slightly upward. "Me too. I wish we could do it again tomorrow but..." "I know, I know, I promised you tomorrow so you can work, and I must admit I regret that I have to finish my project as well." Frank's hand slipped to his chin after a moment's hesitation. "Unless you want to work together? I mean, we'll work separately, but we could at least see each other." "I would be delighted," Susan replied almost too quickly. The next day, Frank and Susan worked in the office together, each stealing tender glances and warm smiles every few minutes as they each solidified their presentations. That was what was visible. Under the table, the two were in a heated battle of the time-honored game of footsie. They shared in light conversation over delivered Chinese food for lunch. The day marched on, and day eventually became night. "Done." Frank had a beaming smile as he leaned back and put both hands on the back of his head. "How about you?" "Almost." Susan did one final calculation before dropping her fountain pen. "There, finished." The two looked at each other with eyes longing for something they couldn't have at such a late hour. Frank shook his head, "I wish I could take you out for dinner again, but..." "I know," Susan replied before he could finish. "We both have a big day to tomorrow, and if I go with you, neither of us would get any sleep." Frank chuckled as he made his way over to Susan. "You're right, but that doesn't mean I can't kiss you goodbye." With that, Frank lowered his lips to Susan's pursed mouth. It started slowly. A simple, light, kiss to demonstrate the newfound feelings Frank had for her. It truly became magical as Susan's want became apparent with her eager reciprocation. Seconds ticked by as neither wanted to be the first to relent from the heaven they were enjoying. The lights flickered briefly. Was that power surge caused by the electricity flowing between them? In an instant, a crash of thunder startled the lovers enough to force their separation as the soft pellets of rain began to fall on the glass windows. "I'll see you tomorrow," Frank whispered as he turned to leave. Susan responded with a coy smile before lightly putting one hand to her lips, begging to savor the feelings now coursing through her body. Finally, the big day arrived. The two met right outside the large conference room where the presentations were to be held. "Good luck," Frank stated with a sincerity that no longer surprised him. "I just want you to know," Susan stared deep into Frank's brown eyes as she spoke, "It wouldn't bother me if you won. I'm not going to give it to you, but there won't be any hard feelings if you get the promotion." Frank shook his head and smiled as he replied, "I feel exactly the same way." With that, the two made their way into the conference room, sitting side by side, hands combined together discreetly under the table. The presentations were cutthroat. The board asked tough, poignant questions to every prospect of each presentation. Rapid-fire inquiries were given to gauge whether the candidate knew the company inside and out as well as how much more profitable they think the person could make the company. Frank was impressed with Susan's speech. Her knowledge was infinite, and her ideas were outside the box, just what the company needed. Her thoughts on products would make the company a mint. Not only were her ideas strong, but her charm was potent as well. He could definitely see the board of directors being swayed into her favor. She was the obvious choice in his eyes, and it made him proud. To Susan, Frank could do no wrong. His marketing campaign would catapult the company into the next stratosphere. He was precise in his points and even added humor to his speech. That was his secret weapon. Susan felt her speech was mundane, but Frank's was engaging. He knew how to handle the stiffs. He would be her boss, and surprisingly, she felt nothing but admiration. "After careful consideration, the board has finally made a decision," the elderly CEO, Clifford Pemrose announced to the room in a raspy voice. Frank and Susan squeezed hands under the table and gave each other a congratulatory glance, assuming the other won the position. "The newest member on the board of directors is Walter Mitchell." A round of applause came from the members of the board. "Come on up, Walt, and say a few words." Susan and Frank looked at each other with disbelief. "You know, with your product ideas..." Frank started. "And with your marketing skills and contacts..." Susan continued. With knowing smiles, the two stood and headed for the door. "Congrats, Walt." Frank acknowledged with a wave while pulling Susan by her waist closer to him. "Wait. Where are you going?" Walt asked with more than a hint of surprise in his voice. Frank ignored him. "So what should we name our company, sexy?" "Be careful, that could be considered sexual harassment," Susan chuckled back. "That's all right, I know the cofounder of our company," Frank teased back. He then turned Susan to face him and kissed her.