Lee was watching her. Since Citrine had moved in with him, she'd veered between anxiety and bliss, a roller coaster he was enjoying, but was taking its toll on her. She was tired. She hid it well, but she was just a little more etched about the eyes than he would like her to be.
He lowered his newspaper and watched her get a cup of coffee, a smile lighting his eyes. She was a beautiful vision in a short peach silk robe, the edges of the hem brushing her thighs as she moved. Thinking about how to make her feel better and inspired by watching her move, he put his paper down and walked over to her, sliding his hands over the silk on her hips and kissing the back of her neck.
She tilted her head to the side and leaned back against his chest, a soft "Mmmmmm" escaping her lips on a deep exhalation.
His voice is a soft rumble against her shoulder. "Tired?"
She shakes her head in denial, a light dismissal. "No."
His mouth explores her shoulder and shifts the fabric aside. "Liar."
Her laughter is soft and rueful. "How do you always know how I'm feeling?"
His lips shift to her earlobe, biting there softly and then whispering in a humor-rich voice "Because you're a very bad liar."
Her shoulders drop and she leans back into him more, her hair brushing across his cheek, fitting herself against his chest. She breathes a deep sigh of contentment and then says "I don't want to go to work."
His hands slide around her waist and he rocks her in his arms. "So don't."
Her sigh is less contented. "I have to."
He shakes his head and says "No, you don't have to. You're tired. Stay home."
Conflict measured itself in her tone, but she said "I can't" finally.
His laugh is light against her neck, his hands starting to work at the knot in her robe. "Can't. That's a bad word, 'Trine. It doesn't work for me."
Her hands are playful and she starts pushing at his, "Lee, I have to go, stop."
Sliding the sash from her robe, he makes a sliding knot and loops it around her wrists once, drawing them closed. "No, 'Trine, you really don't have to go. You have to stay."
Tugging at her wrists, she concedes "Well, I can't go like this."
Drawing her with him, he steps over to a counter with the phone. "Here's how it works. You are going to call work and tell them you're taking a personal day."
"I don't get personal days"
"That should be fixed. You can't call in sick, you can't prevaricate. You're going to call and tell them you're taking a personal day and then you're going to take it."
"Lee, I really can't"
"You're running out of time, 'Trine."
"This is timed? When did I get timed?"
"When you started arguing with me."
He hits the speaker button and starts to dial her job. "Convince me."
She starts to sputter and hesitate, unable to lunge for the counter button to hang up. His eyebrow raises, looking at her. While it's ringing he steps behind her and says "Convince them or I swear I'll tell them I have you bent over, fucking you in the kitchen."
Hot and cold shock washes over her as the receptionist picks up the phone. She asks calmly to be routed to her boss. She's put back on hold. Muzak pours out of the speakers.
Lee smiles "Calypso. Nobody should have to listen to that. Your company is evil. Honey, make it fast. Don't say more than you have to, or I will." He twists the sash into one hand, tightening his grip on her hands and using the other hand to cradle her breast, breath on her ear and fingers massaging her nipple.
"Lee, this is ridic-"
He cuts her off by squeezing her breast and saying lightly "You don't get a vote."
The music ends and her boss is on the phone, "Yes?"
Swallowing hard, she calms her voice against the frustration and sensation, and says "This is Citrine, I need to take a personal day today."
Annoyed, her boss says "I'm afraid you can't do that, I need you here today, there's too much going on. You need to come in right now."
Her voice is thready and nearly panicked, "I can't." Lee hears that it's half directed at him and whispers "Tell him or I will, remember? You can. You need a personal day."
With Lee's encouragement and threat, her voice hardens slightly and she says "I understand it's inconvenient, but I need to do this. If you have a problem with it, take it up with human resources." Lee smiles and leans over and cuts off the phone. His voice is light. "See how easy?" He's watching her face, amused. Storms crossing over her brow.
She's angry "I'm going to get fired."
He scoffs "You are not. You're going to have a good day off."
Her head tilts back and she lifts her wrists. "May I go now?"
His brow lifts and he shakes his head. "No, I don't think so. I think you have no idea how much you're worth to your company. Or to me."
"What does that have to do with anything? I'm going to lose my job!" She's distressed and his lopsided smile annoys her. She starts pulling at her wrists again and he tightens his grip.
"You're not going to lose your job. You'll probably have flowers sent over. That's what I'd do if you worked for me. Never mind that it's probably because I wanted to get you into bed. Which, luckily for me, I can do." Picking her up, she starts struggling and he hoists her up, belly hard against his shoulder and his hand steadying her on her ass. "You need to learn to speak a little more plainly, 'Trine."
"Go to hell! Plain enough for you?"
