I stood resolutely in my boss's office, with white-knuckled hands gripping the edge of his desk.
"You're sending me to Iowa? Iowa? For God's sake, Hal! I said I needed time to think, not miles and miles of nothing to do," I argued.
"Mia, you're going," he stated emphatically.
"Hal! I'm a Reporter! What in hell is there to report in friggin' Iowa? Did someone see Jesus in a cloud," I spat with incredulity.
"Mia, you're getting married in a month. Even if you don't attend the meeting, I'm making you go. Go think about this," Hal insisted, not backing down.
His face was filled with concern and his brows furrowed every time he looked in my direction. I took a deep breath and relented slightly,
"Enforced vacation," I queried.
"Yes," he said unapologetically, "You're engaged but not wearing his ring. Face it, there's something wrong in paradise. Spend some time at Sycamore Access. Take some fabulous pictures. Sit by the river and really think about this. You're not happy, Mia."
I stepped back and took a seat in the leather chair, remembering how arguments as vehement as this one used to end in wildly passionate sex. My heart dropped from my chest to my feet. I knew he was right.
"Okay," I agreed, "On one condition," I said with a hungry smile as I stood and walked toward him.
He grinned tentatively, backing up in his seat, warning, "Mia," but I knew he still wanted me as much as I wanted him.
I approached like a cat preparing to pounce. Hal pushed his chair back until it hit the wall. He was trapped. I grinned licking my lips.
I unzipped my skirt and stepped out of a black, half-slip to reveal my black stockings, garters, and heels. Then I leaned down to unbuckle his belt and remove his dress slacks.
"Miaaa," he said again, "What are you doing? Remember, you're engage..."
I put two fingers over his mouth and quietly shushed him, "Shhh. Don't," I instructed him.
Hal fell silent. We hadn't made love in months. Both of us had reluctantly agreed that an office romance was entirely too complicated, especially in an office filled with nosy reporters.