Joe was the hottest boss I'd ever had, and he flirted with everyone. So I wasn't necessarily surprised when occasionally he took notice of me.
"Hey, Sandra," he'd say, resting one hip on my desk and flashing me that killer smile. The one complete with dimples and deep, soulful brown eyes.
"Hey, Joe," I supplied, keeping my eyes on my computer screen.
"Want to come out with us Friday night?"
"No, sorry, I'm busy that night," I glanced at him, noting the humor in his eyes that never dimmed.
"Sure, no problem. Maybe next week?" The way he said it, it sounded more like an answer than a question.
"Maybe next week." Was I agreeing? I was definitely not agreeing.
"Great!" And with that, he floated off assuredly to his next proposition. I had to admit, he had an excellent body, and I had to admire that kind of swaggering confidence.
The next week, Joe was carrying an armful of folders and a large box of files. Slung across his arm was also an Armani jacket, so casually it nearly made me cringe. As he walked by my desk, something must have dropped out of the pocket. Moments later, when he had disappeared into his office, I looked down and noticed a leather black book, smaller than my hand, lying on the floor.
Discreetly, I speared it with my heel, drug it out of sight and bent to pick it up. Opening the first few pages, I immediately noticed the many names and numbers of many women who worked in our building and, figuring this was something better examined in private, quickly stashed it in my briefcase.
Blushing, I pretended to be busy at work and let my thoughts race. Was that what I think it was? This wasn't a man who was careless in business, but clearly, if this was some kind of little black book, he was obviously careless in his personal life. Someone in his position surely wouldn't keep something like that...
"Hey, Sandra!"
Startled, my hands jolted and spewed random letters across the proposal I was writing.
"Hm?" I glanced up as Joe leaned across my desk, resting his chin in his hands.
"I was hoping we could have a little talk about something. Say, tonight, over dinner?" He smiled and it was hard to break my gaze away.
"Sure," I managed, trying to look innocent.
"Perfect. The Ivy, off 38th. Eight o'clock."
"Sure."
He winked, like we had a secret. Then left.
Slowly, I packed up my things and decided to call it a day. I wasn't going to get anything else done here.
When I got home, I opened the book again. My name wasn't in it. Some of the names I knew, some I didn't. Some were crossed off. Then I noticed many of them had amounts listed next to them.
100, I read. 150. 125...
Hmm. While I raised an eyebrow at some, most of the names didn't surprise me.
Dinner was in two hours. What was I going to do?
After some thought, a smile crossed my lips. I went through my clothes, pulling out a sexy skirt and nearly see-through blouse with some spicy lingerie underneath. If Joe was looking for some kind of negotiation, that's what I'd give him.
---- x o ----
When she walked in, I didn't recognize her at first. The woman who usually dressed conservatively had on a skimpy little black skirt and silver top, unbuttoned and revealing something lacy underneath. Shapely, long legs tapered down onto a pair of black stilettos. I tried not to lick my lips.
"Hey, Joe."
"Hey, Sandra."
She smelled fantastic. Something dark and crisp and alluring. Her brown hair was down, her eyes smokey in makeup I'd never seen hear wear. I felt my cock twitch and tried to keep myself composed as I took her hand and kissed it.
"Shall we?"
I let the hostess lead us to our private table and ordered us some oysters and champagne. Of course, we had an entire balcony to ourselves, just as I had arranged it.
"So," I said conversationally, "It's been awhile since I hired you to work for the company. How are you liking your position?"
"Oh," she smiled, her lip gloss glittering in the dim light. "I think I like it just fine. But, of course, I'm always looking for new opportunities."
"That's just what I was hoping to hear."
I watched her sip her drink and eat delicately. She traced the top of her glass with her finger and I found myself mesmerized by her lips. They were full and thick, and shimmering wet with gloss. I'd always found her attractive, but with all her features embellished she was downright sexy. Delighted she had come to play, I'd let her think she had the upper hand. I had a feeling we'd both be leaving quite satisfied.
---- x o ----
"So, Sandra," he said.
"Yes, Joe?" I smiled.
"I think you have something that belongs to me."
"Oh," I reached into my purse, pulling out the little black book. "Do you mean this?"
I leafed through the pages once again, trying to contain my amusement. He'd clearly left it for me to find. But why? Intrigued now, I crossed and uncrossed my legs, allowing my skirt to hike up a bit further.
"What is it?"
He stared at me a moment, a smile playing across his mouth. He had a bit of stubble, making him look tougher and a bit more rugged. A bit more dangerous.
"I think you know what it is."
I smiled.
"I imagine a man in your position might find something like this a...sensitive matter. And I suspect you would like it back."
"Yes," he held his gaze, and I began to find this game very exciting.
"I may be willing to be discreet about this..." I set the book on the table. "For a price."
"I thought you might say that," he held my gaze, still giving nothing away. "What did you have in mind?"
"What's it worth to you?"
He seemed to consider for a moment, then stood, drawing me up as well. He reached around me and pulled me snugly against him.
"Hey-"
"I'll make you a deal," he said, his hands on my hips. "You give me the book back, and I give you a night you won't forget."
His hands began to roam higher, brushing under my blouse.
"No deal," I said. "I give you the book back, and you give me a promotion. And we forget I ever saw it."
I placed my hands on his chest to try to push him away, and he caught one and began to nibble on my fingers.
"The problem with that deal is, it doesn't include you. And I'm accustomed to getting what I want."
He leaned in and kissed my neck, his hands dipping under my blouse and his thumbs brushing just beneath my breasts. The man was sexy, I had to admit, and it had been a while, a long, long while, since I'd slept with anyone.
"You can't afford me," I managed as his hands became very busy and he began kissing his way along my neck.
"Name your price," he murmured, biting my earlobe.
I backed away, putting some space between us. I ran a hand through my hair.
"Listen, Joe, I've never done anything like this before."
"Then let's make it simple." He pulled out his checkbook, scribbled something on it, and handed it to me.
Stunned, I glanced down at a signed blank check.
"You can't be serious," I blurted.
"I want you, Sandra. One night. Name your price." He held out a pen.
I hadn't intended for things to go this way. I had wanted to dangle the bait in front of him, then walk away with my promotion and leave him with his secrets. But... glancing at the check, I felt a little lightheaded.
"Hold on a second," I held up a finger. "...what exactly are you proposing?"
He grinned, a sly toothy smile spreading across his face.
"You name your price, and in return, I get you for one night. What we do is entirely up to me. What we don't do, that's entirely up to you. And, of course, I get my book back."
Feeling curious, brave and a little turned on, I contemplated the deal. Then, I wrote in ONE MILLION and a one, followed by six zeroes. I held it up for him to see.
