“Where were you?” asked Steph. “Why were you late for my meeting?”
They exchanged a glance and then Ashley said, “It was my fault. We went to the pub for an early lunch because I’ve been having a tough time at home, and we just got carried away.”
She stared at them and shook her head as she turned to Martin, “Lunch at eleven? Anything to add or are you in agreement on that account?”
“That’s about it,” he agreed.
“Right, not only is that unprofessional, but it is also unacceptable and I may well choose to speak to H.R. this afternoon. Now, I suggest that you both get your arses in there and apologise personally to every person around that table for keeping them waiting and showing such a lack of respect for the rest of your team. Oh, and leave your problems from home at the door and if you can’t I would like to know.”
She followed them back into the room and waited for them to apologise before introducing Jon, then started the meeting.
Jon asked reasonable questions about sustainability and how the pricing of services was set.
After Steph closed the meeting her team members filed out and as Ashley walked past her he stopped to say, “I am very sorry about being late and making Martin late too. Sorry,” he repeated.
She called Martin back and said to them both, “I’ll see you both in my office at half past twelve, and don’t be late,” she told them before leading Jon out. “Do you want me to take you up to Jack’s office?”
“No. Take me to yours.”
She shrugged. “As you wish.”
Steph led Jon down the corridor towards the lift and hit the up button. As she stood in the opposite corner of the lift to him she remained silent.
“Are you pissed off with me or your late comers?”
“Both,” she admitted. “You for being here and them for not being on time.”
“Aren’t you pleased to see me at all?” He smiled at her, almost daring her to deny any pleasure at him being there.
Her expression softened but she maintained her stand. “No.”
“Liar,” he replied, a small smile quirking his lips.
“Arrogant,” she spat back as he moved next to her and began to gently rub her bottom through her trousers.
“I have missed you and I know I suggested the trousers, but if you were wearing a skirt or a dress right now I wouldn’t be able to resist skin on skin,” he whispered.
“You haven’t really missed me and I am glad I am not wearing a skirt or a dress,” she told him making him laugh.
“I thought I was the arrogant one?” He laughed again as the lift arrived at her floor.
She left the lift without him and smiled to herself as she heard him following her towards her office.
“There are a couple of messages on your desk,” said Rosie.
Steph nodded at the other woman and as she saw her expression change she knew that Jon was standing behind her.
“Thank you, Rosie. This is Mr Brooker. Mr Brooker, this is my assistant, Rosie.”
Jon extended a hand towards Rosie who happily accepted it before asking, “Can I get you some tea or coffee?”
“Coffee please,” replied Jon.
“Nothing for me thanks.”
Steph headed into her office where Jon closed the door behind them. “You really are very scary when you’re in boss mode.”
She laughed at him now as she sat on the edge of her desk. “I hate lateness without good reason and when I have chosen to come into work instead of staying in bed with you the least they can do is turn up to my meeting on time.”
