It has taken me a long time to get to the next steps for Suzanne and this is just the second of four chapters. The good news is that the remaining two are in the final editing process. I expect that they will come out over the next couple of weeks. As always, I have to thank my editors, Terry and Snow. Both of them have been invaluable. They helped with working through ideas, making sure that the story was clear, avoiding bloating, and finally in finding all my many errors. Thank you both! I love both of you!
*****
There were a lot more emails waiting for Suzanne in the morning than normal. She glanced at them and sighed when she realized that too many of them couldn't be ignored. Usually at least half were just people copying her on things, most of which did not matter to her. Not today. She was probably the primary person on many of them and often the only one with the answers.
When Suzanne disposed of the last email, she let out a deep breath in relief. With a few more that came in during the morning, it was almost 11:30. "Finally, I can get to what I planned to do," she thought to herself. Just then, she heard someone clearing their throat at the door. Suzanne could not help the scowl of irritation that was on her face when she looked up.
"Damn," Suzanne thought as she recognized Colby. The warm smile on Colby's lips faded away, replaced by uncertainty in her blue eyes. Consciously or not, Colby took a small step back away from the door.
"Is now not a good time? I know that we said lunch today, but we can always reschedule," Colby said. She gave Suzanne the impression that she was ready to flee.
Suzanne paused for a moment to take a deep breath before speaking. "I'm sorry, Colby, of course not. I've just had a rough morning. Putting out fires wasn't how I planned on spending it." Suzanne hoped that her smile came across as genuine as it really was.
"Ah," Colby replied. She brushed back one of the curls that had fallen onto one side of her face. "Still, it's no problem if you need to get something done."
"No," Suzanne said, cutting her off. "It's a good time for a break. Eating a little something will probably help my mood."
Nodding, Colby's smile slowly came back, but Suzanne noticed it was not quite as enthusiastic as before. "Damn," Suzanne thought once again to herself. Her tendency to be a little too intense was something she was aware of and trying to moderate. It was a work in progress.
Feeling like Colby was still unsure, Suzanne stood up and grabbed her purse. The little bit of time helped her to let go of some of the frustrations from the morning. Even though she felt awkward about doing it, she reached out and touched Colby's arm. "Really, going out for lunch is a great idea. So is getting to know you," she said as gently as she could.
"Okay," was all Colby said, but now her complete smile was back. Even though Suzanne had touched Colby on her sleeve, just above where it ended, she still felt a little shock run through her body. The warmth of Colby's skin came through the thin fabric and lingered after she moved her hand. Since Suzanne was so much taller, she had to look down at Colby. Anything Colby wore would show off her breasts. It was just a reality. Although the pale pink lightweight sweater she was wearing was not flashy, it still accentuated her cleavage, especially from Suzanne's angle.
Feeling a little uncomfortable but trapped by Colby lingering in the doorway, Suzanne had to speak up. "Shall we?" she asked.
"Oh sure. Sorry about that," Colby said and laughed. While her voice had a sexy undertone, her laugh was a throaty rumble that oozed sensuality. It seemed very natural for her and Suzanne loved it. After looking up and down the hallway, Colby glanced at Suzanne. "Out the front? Out the back? I'm still figuring things out."
"It's easier to go down the backstairs from my office," Suzanne told her. She pointed and Colby started moving. It was an older building and quite cramped. Although two could walk abreast, it was hard to do without bumping into each other. It was simpler for Suzanne to follow Colby.
Just like yesterday, Suzanne struggled to avoid leering at Colby. Her calf length skirt exposed the black boots she was wearing. The three-inch heels not only added a little more height but they gave her ass a wonderful sway as she walked. "Thank goodness it's a short walk to the stairs," Suzanne thought.
Despite all her efforts over the last eight years, Suzanne still couldn't avoid her natural response. An attractive woman always caught her eye. She never acted upon it and was even better at hiding her interest than in high school. Still, she couldn't remember the last time she had such a strong reaction to someone. It made it much harder to cover up.
When they got to the back door, Colby held it open for Suzanne and they switched positions with Suzanne leading the way. Even being on the lower steps, Suzanne was still conscious of her height. She wondered if she looked as uncoordinated as she felt. It was a relief when they went out the door at the bottom and they could walk side by side. Suzanne found it easier to avoid distraction.
Looking around, Suzanne paused and glanced at Colby. "What would you like to eat? There is pretty much anything within walking distance," she asked.
"Whatever you would like," Colby instantly replied.
Suzanne smiled at her. "I like anything, Colby. You're my guest. I'm going to be happy with whatever you pick," she said. When Colby sucked in her lower lip, Suzanne added, "Really, you pick." At the same time, she couldn't help notice how cute Colby looked at that moment. One curly lock had fallen again to hang partially over her eye. As she released her full lip, it came out glistening.
