Maddie's Bet: Sex With a Stranger (5 page)

I
awake just as the sun is beginning to rise. There is just enough light to give me a glorious view of the man lying next to me. I try not to move too much as I catalogue his features. These memories are all I will have to fill my dreams in the lonely nights to come. His dark hair lies across his forehead and slightly covers one eye. My fingers itch to stroke it aside, but I don’t dare. His breathing is low and even, indicating that he is still in a deep sleep. The slight bump on the top of his nose shows a small scar, maybe from a broken nose at some time. His eyes are closed, so I can’t see them, but I know they are blue. Long dark eyelashes fan out just above his high cheekbones. I move down to his beautiful soft lips and I long to suck and nibble on them, but again, I know I can’t. My eyes run down his long strong neck: what I wouldn’t give to be able to run my tongue down it to his muscular chest. His chest rises and falls gently with his breathing. Beautiful, smooth, tanned skin covers muscles that have obviously seen the inside of a gym. My eyes wander further. I have always heard about “washboard” abs, but these are perfection: sculpted and tight without being vulgar. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I like a well-muscled male body as much as the next girl, but I’m not into Mr. Universe—I’m into what’s lying on the bed in front of me. The rest of his body is covered by the sheet, but I can remember his trim hips, firm butt, long sculpted legs, and, of course, his long, thick cock.

My body aches, but I know I have to move now before he wakes. I take a moment to look at him again before trying to carefully remove his arm from around my waist. He sighs and tries to pull me closer, but I persevere, and after what seems like an eternity manage to release his grip. I gently ease away from him and immediately miss his warmth. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I start to doubt my decision, but deep down know that I’m doing the right thing. I rise very slowly so as not to cause too much movement on the bed and start to gather my scattered clothing. My panties are ruined, so I place them in a nearby bin. I put the rest of my clothing on slowly, except my shoes, never taking my eyes off his sleeping form. He looks so peaceful, so perfect. The urge to cry is overwhelming, and I can feel the tears starting to form; it’s time to go. Carrying my shoes, I walk towards the door.

In the corner of the room I see a desk. On top lies a notepad, so I decide to leave Jake a note. I know my decision to leave the way I am is the right one, but I feel I need to justify it to him. Very careful not to wake him, I cross the room and search the desk quietly for a pen. Finding one, I start to write…

Dear Jake,

Thank you for a night that I will never forget. I never knew it could be like that or that I could feel the way you made me feel—like I was special.

I am saving us both from that embarrassing morning-after moment. I want you to know that I have no regrets but can’t stand the thought of seeing it in your face when you wake. You have given me more than a night of the most amazing and satisfying sex of my life—you have given me back myself. I thank you sincerely for that.

Maddie

Placing the note carefully on the bedside table, I leave the room.

The journey home was all a blur. I can remember standing in front of the large glass window on the stairs. The sun was just clearing the horizon and I knew that every time I watched a sunrise near the ocean again that last night would be what I remembered. Then I was standing at the gate and wondering how to get out when a car approached from the other side and the gate opened. Stepping back into the shadows, I waited for the car to pass and then quickly went through. Then I was in a cab and returning home, back to my lonely existence.

Chapter 7

Four months later…

I
t’s now eleven o’clock in the morning and I’m on my way to the conference room for an urgent meeting. The rumors have been flying for weeks about the possibility of a corporate takeover. But I don’t care. It’s time for a change. I’ve already written my resignation, and I’ll give it to my boss right after the meeting.

I’ve worked here at Spencer and McCormick now for nearly twelve years. At first I worked for very little or no pay while studying for my Bachelor of Accountancy, then as a low-ranking, slightly higher paid accountant until I completed my Master’s degree. I have always been an exceptional student, so I completed both degrees in half of the usual time. So began my rise through the ranks. This isn’t an easy task for a woman, especially when she works for one of the oldest accounting firms in the state. But I did it, and now I am the only female to have made it this far within this company. I am now only one step lower than the named partners themselves. Yes, yes I know, I should stay where I am. It probably won’t get any better, even if I do what the rumors say and sleep with one or both of the partners. McCormick I can understand, he’s about ten years older than me and not too bad on the eyes. But Spencer? He’s way past retirement age and totally devoted to his twenty-five-year-old wife. Although I suspect that she’s more interested in his money than his body. Eww! That’s not a vision I want in my head before lunch.

I’ll be glad to get away from this place. Nothing ever changes. Right now I’m walking past rows of tiny cubicles that house the underlings of the company. Little minions who perform the same boring, mundane jobs day after day. Oh they seem happy enough, but most of the smiles that I pass are pasted on. I’m sure most of them are the same as I was when I started—full of dreams that more often than not are shattered. There’s very little opportunity for advancement here and a lot of competition. I’m one of the lucky ones, I guess.

Finally I’m at the end of the corridor and am facing the large wooden doors of the conference room. This is where it all happens—where the testosterone rules. The chests are puffed out and the flies adjusted, except for mine of course. I refuse to stoop to their level. I have worked hard to get to where I am, and if they can’t appreciate that, then I’m off to find a firm that will.

I open the doors and enter. The talking stops, except for the usual tittering I can hear. I really don’t care what they think anymore. My attire is conservative compared to that of the other women employed here. I’m wearing my dark gray business suit today. The skirt hugs my hips without giving away too many secrets and comes to just above my knees, and my matching hip-length jacket is buttoned just below my breasts. It’s loose enough to hide any faults. My plain white shirt is unbuttoned just enough to show a hint of cleavage, but not enough to encourage stares. Gone are the four-inch heels: My shoes are comfortable black leather pumps with a two-inch heel. I refuse to flaunt my assets to get attention that I really don’t want. Others are welcome to flutter their eyelashes at this group of oversexed windbags. I wouldn’t be seen dead fraternizing with any of them. But of course they all think they are God’s gift to womanhood, so my rejection of them fuels the rumors. I’m either servicing the bosses or I’m a lesbian.

With my resignation safely tucked away in my briefcase, I continue into the room and take my seat near the head of the table. There are a couple of others already seated, and various groups scattered around the room discuss their latest conquest or best score in golf. I have never been included to join in their conversations or invited to any after-hours social events. Again, does it bother me? Not in the least. Oh there have been a few “private” invitations offered. You know the kind—just me, him, and the etchings—but alas, again I decline them all. Sex and the office do not mix. Not for me anyway.

I’m just about to open my briefcase in preparation for the meeting when a familiar fragrance wafts my way—a spicy sandalwood smell that brings back memories of a night four months ago that still fills my nightly dreams. I can still feel his breath as it stirred my hair and his fingers as they caressed my body, and my lips still tingle when I think of his kisses. How I wish it had been more than one night, but facing the rejection I knew would come with the morning sun was more than I could bear. But not one day has passed since that night that he hasn’t filled my thoughts both day and night.

I snap out of my daydream as Spencer brings the meeting to order. All but a few are seated, and they quickly take their seats. As I’m taking my notebook and pen out of my briefcase, McCormick enters the room, followed by three other men. I can see two of them clearly, but not the third. As they make their way to the head of the table, the third man remains partially hidden, but I can tell that he is tall and well built, and again I catch a hint of the spicy fragrance. It’s a sickening thought that one of my co-workers may be wearing the same aftershave as Jake. This is even more reason to resign. Just the thought of any one of these men triggering precious memories sickens me.

As I’m lowering my gaze again to my briefcase, McCormick speaks. He’s introducing the three men to everyone. With my notebook and pen in hand, I raise my head just as he introduces the third man. My eyes are caught in a trap with his. It’s Jake! My Jake!

“Excuse me, everybody! I would like to introduce Jacob Connor, the newest member of our team. Mr. Connor is now a co-owner of Connor and McCormick.” He sits down as his statement registers and turns to whisper to Jake. The noise level in the room becomes deafening; chairs scrape backwards and several staff member start to rise. McCormick tries unsuccessfully to regain control of the room. Placing a hand lightly on McCormick’s shoulder, Jake rises to his feet. He turns to his right, and with a slight flick of Spencer’s hand, he is given control.

“If I could have everybody’s attention for a moment, please!” This is said with such authority that the room quietens immediately. “When everyone is seated, we will explain.” Although I’m still in shock from his appearance here, I’m in awe of the way he has taken control of the room. Again chairs can be heard scraping into place as everyone retakes their seats. “Thank you! As you have all just heard, I am now a co-owner of this company. I am equal partners with Mr. McCormick. Mr. Spencer has decided that due to his declining health, he is no longer able to take an active role in the day-to-day running of this office, and as he has no heirs, he took the option of selling his half of the company. Since I was currently looking to invest in such a company, I was approached, and after a lengthy negotiation process an agreement was reached. We realize that a lot of you will be shocked by this news, but in view of Mr. Spencer’s declining health, it was decided to keep this information private so as to not cause any panic among yourselves and the clients. The only significant change to the company, as you have already heard, will be the name. There will be no loss of jobs or positions. Any questions you have may be asked at the end of the meeting.”

My head is bowed as I listen, but I can feel the heat of his eyes. I know he is looking at me, but I refuse to look up. I now have a greater reason to resign; and the urge to retrieve my resignation, throw it on the table, and run from the room is overwhelming. Now the rumors have some truth to them: I really have slept with the boss! I need to get out of here. I can feel the walls closing in on me.