Peter Kurtzberg couldn't resist taking a look, just a quick peek over the cubicle wall.
Bobbi Ross was very pretty. She had a heart-shaped face that glowed with warmth and whenever she smiled, which was often, her blue eyes sparkled like precious stones. Her naturally blonde hair was cut short in a cute little bob.
If Kurtzberg was totally sure she wasn't looking he liked to run his gaze along the trim lines of her body, wishing it was his hands rather than his eyes roaming over her perfectly proportioned curves. Despite being dainty, her body was athletic and well-toned. Kurtzberg knew she worked out regularly at the gym.
Bobbi always got plenty of cards and flowers on Valentine's Day. In the middle of the cards and smaller bouquets was a gigantic floral arrangement. Kurtzberg was proud of it. It had cost a lot of money but he didn't mind. It was a small token of gratitude when compared with all the days her sunny presence at the office brightened up his life. It was a display of appreciation he'd never be able to give her in person.
He'd like to. God knows he'd pictured the moment, dreamed about it, fantasised even about telling her just how much he truly loved her.
He could never do it.
In his dreams she said 'yes' and there followed a whirlwind of candlelit dinners, expensive hotels and long lazy nights together in bed.
In his nightmares she laughed in his face and he woke up feeling like a bug smashed under a rock.
No, he knew he'd never be able to withstand that rejection.
It was just a silly dream.
This was better.
He wondered if she fantasised about the identity of her secret admirer. Kurtzberg hoped his gift brought as much joy to her as the sight of her every day in the office gave to him.
*****
"Aw, that's so sweet," Bobbi said as she opened and read the card that came with the large flower arrangement.
"And quite impressive," Greg David said. The single rose he'd bought her made him feel rather... small in comparison.
"Is that a note of envy I detect there?" Bobbi laughed.
"Nah, I got a card from the tall blonde in the mailroom," Greg said. "You know, the one with the large rack."
He laughed as Bobbi slapped him on the arm.
"Teaser, I should take away your sex privileges for that," Bobbi said.
"So are you going to tell me about your mysterious admirer then?" Greg asked. "Is he some tall, dark and handsome hunk I'll have to battle to the death in order to win back you affections?"
"Hardly," Bobbi smiled. "It's Peter."
"Kurtzberg?"
They both looked over to the cubicle where the office statistician made his home. A pale round face with spectacles ducked down behind the divider like a mole going down its hole.
"Kurtzberg," Greg laughed.
"It's sweet really. He thinks I don't know. He's had a crush on me ever since I first arrived at the office."
"And he's never said anything?"
"Oh god no. Thank goodness."
"So no desire to succumb to the ardent desires of the moleman then?"
Bobbi pulled a face. "Please."
*****
"Looks like you've got an admirer this year," the mail lady, an old woman who'd been at the office a long time, said as she placed a small package onto the table.
Kurtzberg looked at the small box. It looked suspiciously like a gift.
Kurtzberg didn't get gifts, especially not on Valentine's Day.
Puzzled, he picked up the box. It was wrapped in dark red shiny paper and topped with a little pink bow. Now who could this be from? Bobbi?
Kurtzberg's heart picked up a few beats.
No, surely not.
"Whoa, stop right there."
Kurtzberg inwardly winced when he heard Jacob Pak's voice.
"Is that an actual Valentine's Day gift?" Jacob continued. "Someone actually sent you a Valentine's gift? Hey everyone, look at this. Kurtzberg's got a secret lover."
Just leave me alone, Kurtzberg thought. He put on a forced smile as his co-workers crowded the cubicle wall.
"Now that's someone who knows what a proper Valentine's gift should be," Bettie Lee said, her pasty round face leaning over the cubicle wall. "I'll take yummy chocolates over flowers anytime."
"C'mon, don't keep us in suspense," Greg said.
Reluctantly, Kurtzberg tore away the red paper to reveal a plain black box.
"Not chocolates," Bettie said wistfully.
Kurtzberg took the lid off the box. Inside was a square black stone about the size of his hand. There was an inscription engraved into the surface, but the letters were so worn Kurtzberg couldn't read them.
He turned the stone over. On the other side was a carving of a ferocious looking female demon with horns, wings and a tail. The artist had over-emphasised her breasts and vagina.
What was it, Kurtzberg thought, some kind of fertility fetish?
"What an ugly thing," Bobbi said. "Why would anyone send that as a Valentine's gift?"
"Kurtzberg mate, I know you're desperate, but try to steer clear of the nut jobs," Jacob said.
Kurtzberg ignored him. There was a card on the bottom of the box. On the cover was a picture of a sexy cartoon devil. She was smiling as she pulled an overweight and balding man towards her by his tie.
"What does it say?" Bobbi asked.
Kurtzberg opened it and read the card aloud.
"The stone is a succubus tablet. According to myth it bestows erotic dreams on whoever owns it. Sweet dreams."
The handwriting was elaborate and feminine. Kurtzberg didn't recognise it. Underneath it was the red lipstick imprint of a full pair of lips.
"Sounds like the perfect present for Kurtzberg," Jacob said. "As the only place he's ever going to get any..." He tossed it up.
