“Then I better work on keeping them original.”
“You really are a seriously lovely man and I don’t know that I have ever felt this way before and although we may not beyears into this, it feels like it should be.” His responding grin encouraged her to lower her mouth to his again, stopping just short of kissing him. “I really do like you, a lot, and yesterday was horrible but I don’t think I can call time on us, with or without your wife.”
Jon nodded and sighed. “I can’t regret pursuing you, Steph. When things feel this good it can’t be wrong and yet I can’t help thinking that at some point this whole thing is going to get blown out of the water and leave a big mess.”
Steph lowered her lips further until they were gently pressed against his where she whispered her agreement, “I know.”
Jon now pulled her down into his lap firmly, knowing they were somehow on the same page making her moan loudly as she felt the familiar sensation of his erection beneath her and pulled his face from hers.
“Darling, I can’t believe I am saying this, but I really have to go and finish these figures with Dave before I forget where we are and where we should be.” Getting up, he placed Steph back on her feet.
“You do realise that you have many brownie points to cash in at any time now?” she asked.
“I don’t know that I deserve any.” He frowned with a downward curve of his lips. “I assume you are happy to fill in for Dave until he returns and maybe we could renegotiate your contract after his return?”
“Okay,” she almost whispered.
“But you should never take that much crap off anyone, especially not while you work for me,” he said, his tone suggesting the seriousness of his words and their meaning.
“Okay,” she repeated.
“I mean it. Nobody who works for me should ever be subjected to what you were. I hate fucking bullies,” he hissed before seeming to take stock. “So, are you coming back tomine after you and Lindsay have found your next holiday destination?” His question sounded optimistic.
“If you still want me to.”
“Of course I do.” He laughed, “But don’t book your holiday before running it past our own holiday company to see if they can offer you a better deal.” Bending down he landed a chaste kiss to her cheek.
“Before running it past your holiday company or you?”
“The holiday company,” he replied. “I want to tell you not to go on holiday, but I am trying here, Steph, to be more considerate and respect your choices.”
“Good because I would tell you to sod off if you did. This is what Lindsay and I do, always have.”
“I know,” he nodded with an almost pained expression plastered across his face. “I have to go, but I will see you tonight,” he said and then left her standing in his office alone wearing a very happy and stupid grin.
Two
Steph was just accepting a second glass of wine from Lindsay when her friend asked,
“So where do you fancy going on holiday then?”
“I dunno, anywhere hot, although Jon has said he would see if his holiday company can do us a cheaper deal,” said Steph.
“Yeah he is good like that. Charlie booked our honeymoon to The Maldives through Jon and it was magnificent, all VIP, top of the range everything.” Lindsay smiled at the memory.
“Well, as much as I love you, Linds, I don’t fancy a romantic hideaway with you,” laughed Steph and was joined in her laughter.
“What about Greece or Spain then?” suggested Lindsay.
“We’ve done Greece a few times. Depends where in Spain, or Italy, but Italy could be a bit cool. Let’s look what Spain has to offer. Get your laptop out,” ordered Steph. “Don’t forget we need to print off the details for Jon.”
“You two are very friendly all of a sudden. I can’t help wondering if my mum was right about you two.” Topping up their glasses, Lindsay laughed.
“I don’t know what you mean,” said Steph becoming rather flustered.
“Oh my God! You like him. Don’t even bother to deny it. I have known you too long. It is written all over your face,” laughed Lindsay and suddenly began singing, “Stephanie fancies Jon, Stephanie fancies Jon.”
Steph laughed too and threw a cushion across at her friend. “Are we finding a holiday or not?” she asked as she flushed.
