Sandy's Offer Read online

  When the meeting is adjourned, Paige stands, taking a deep breath and clearing her throat, which Sandy notices and causes the younger woman’s lips to curl into a smile dripping with self-satisfaction and pride. Paige smirks at the look and her eyes narrow in a challenging way.

  “I’m looking forward to your summary. Come see me after you have it typed and emailed to me. You can continue your training after our meeting.”

  “Yes, Miss Matthews.”

  Chapter Two

  Sandy squeezes between a couple of rowdy groups at the pub’s entrance and stands on her toes to look around for her friends. She shimmies between a few more people, skirts around a waitress bent over delivering food to a table, then slides into the empty seat at the four-person table under a giant preserved great marlin.

  “Hey, sorry I’m late. Did you already order dinner?”

  After swallowing a hearty gulp of frothy beer, Cami says, “Not yet.” She pushes a drink forward, adding, “I ordered your first round. This place is crazy tonight. We waited ten minutes just for the waitress to show up to take our drink orders.”

  “Thanks.” Sandy takes a drink of the beer, and asks, “Why is it so busy?”

  Liam holds up a bi-folded advert from the back center of the table. “Half-priced appetizers and drinks every Wednesday starting tonight through the end of the month. And they brought back those amazing fried macaroni balls.”

  With a groan, Sandy says, “I have been dreaming about those. Did you order any?”

  “Yeah, we placed the order for apps when we got drinks. Why you getting out of work so late?” Sandy shrugs a shoulder and lifts her beer to take another sip. Cami raises an eyebrow, and asks, “What the hell is that grin about?”

  “My boss was staying late to finish up something, so I stayed in case she needed me.”

  “Oh, shit, you’re crushing on your boss.” Liam laughs as he leans over the table with a conspiratorial look glimmering in his eyes. “How hot is she?”

  Before she can answer, Megan, who is sitting next to Sandy, places a hand on her arm, and says, “The waitress is coming our way. You should look at the menu really quick.”

  “Oh, right.”

  Sandy quickly scans the menu, and a few minutes later, the waitress arrives and each of them orders an entrée. The waitress leaves with a promise their appetizers will be out soon, then Liam renews the conversation about Sandy’s interest in her boss.

  “She’s really hot. I can’t really tell how old she is though. She looks young, but she can’t be that young and have the position she has. Jayla, she’s another assistant who’s been training me, she said Paige, or I mean, Miss Matthews has been there for seven years. But she came from another investment firm that she was with for a few years.”

  Megan leans forward with a calculating look. “She’s got to be at least thirty but probably mid-thirties. Damn, you really like your women older.” She laughs a little and Sandy playfully nudges her in the ribs. “I’m serious. You’ve never dated anyone your own age.”

  “And what’s wrong with that?”

  “To each their own. But are you really looking at your boss as a prospect? I mean, isn’t that against the rules?”

  Sandy takes a sip of beer and shakes her head, saying, “Nope. I checked.” They laugh, and Sandy adds, “I’ve only been there a week – it would be crazy to try anything this soon. But I don’t know if I’ll ever try anything. The base pay is insanely good and the potential bonuses are unheard of. I don’t want to lose this job. It could really help me pay off my student loans and actually have some left over to put in the bank.”

  “Having bank is nice. I vote for not screwing your boss so you can take care of business.” Liam gets a mischievous look on his face and adds, “Unless she’s looking for a sugar baby and will just pay off those stupid loans for you.”

  Sandy scrunches her nose, and firmly says, “I’m definitely not looking to be a sugar baby. I don’t mind having a fling, but a sexual arrangement in exchange for money and gifts is not my thing.”

  Looking baffled, Megan asks, “You wouldn’t accept money and gifts from her? She’s got to be loaded being an executive at that huge investment firm.”

  “Megan’s right.” Liam grins as he presses Sandy, “If you go for it, you might as well enjoy whatever luxury comes with it.”

  “I never said I wouldn’t accept money and gifts. It’s how they’re given that matters.”

  Cami flatly postulates, “She doesn’t want to feel like a prostitute.”

  “I don’t like that word,” Sandy scrunches her nose in disgust, “but basically yes.”

  “I get wanting to make money to pay off your student loans, but are you still going to pursue writing?”

  Sandy swirls the foam in the bottom of her glass as she stares in Cami’s eyes for a moment, then answers, “Yes, but I can’t accept a writing job that doesn’t pay as well as what I make at Crofton Financial. I’ll try to keep doing freelance on the side, but I’m tired of living the starving artist life. I want more from life.”

  Cami shrugs her shoulders as she leans back and runs a hand through her short hair. She fingers the hollow blue ring in her gauged earlobe for a moment. “I just hope you don’t get stuck there and lose the drive for writing because they overwork you. You’re a talented writer and…”

  “I love you, Cami, but I don’t need the life lecture.”

  She holds up a hand with a mock look of offense and says, “Fine. I won’t say another word.”

  Sandy rolls her eyes, which makes Cami laugh, because both of them know it’s a blatant lie. Cami is very opinionated and never lets anything drop so easily. She may shut her mouth about it for the rest of the night, but the subject will come up again.

  They get through the rest of dinner without the subject of Sandy’s love life or career choice coming up again, and even when she’s giving her friends hugs and kisses on the cheeks no one mentions either subject, not even Cami.

  When she’s walking in the door to her small studio apartment, her cellphone chimes with a new text message. She sees Paige’s name on the screen and her heart starts beating out of her chest as she fumbles with locking her door and tossing her purse and jacket aside to answer it.

  Paige: Sandy, I’m terribly sorry for texting you so late. If you’re already asleep, don’t worry about this when you see it in the morning. However, on the off chance that you’re still awake, can you let me know if you brought your laptop home with you?

  “Oh, my god, she’s so cute.”

  Sandy is grinning ear to ear as she plops down on her couch. She kicks her shoes off and pulls her knees up to her chest.

  Sandy: Hello, Miss Matthews. Yes, I brought my laptop home. What can I do for you?

  Paige: Great, can you call me?

  While she stands up to get her company issued laptop, she hits the call button to Paige’s cellphone number. She has been waiting a week for this – getting to talk to the gorgeous and dominating Paige Matthews outside of work, even if it is work related.

  As soon as she answers, Paige says, “I’m sorry for interrupting your evening, but I need you to check something.”

  “It’s no trouble. I was just walking in the door, so you caught me at a good time.”

  With a bit of interest in her voice that causes Sandy’s stomach to bubble over with giddiness, Paige asks, “Oh, fun night out?”

  “Yes, it was a good night. I met a few friends at Rudy’s for dinner. It was sort of to celebrate my new job.”

  “If you’re celebrating, it must mean you’re enjoying the position.” Sandy smiles with her bottom lip between her teeth. She just loves the way Paige’s somewhat raspy voice coos with suggestion through the phone. “At least I hope you are.”

  “Yes, Miss Matthews, I love the position so far. And I don’t even mind at all that you’re texting and calling me after nine o’clock to discuss work.”

  “Work. Right.” Sandy has to place a hand over her mouth t
o keep from laughing at how Paige seemed to have forgotten why they were talking on the phone. “I sent you a letter I need you to proofread for grammar and so forth. Could you do it this evening? It’s only a page. The client is overseas in a different time zone, so I’d like to get it out by the time he’s waking up.”

  “Yes, Miss Matthews, I’d be happy to. Would you like me to text you when I’m through, or would you like me to remain on the phone with you?”

  With a small laugh, Paige says, “I don’t think you’ll get much work done if we do. I am still curious about your night out and may distract you in my quest for details.”

  “What are you curious about, Miss Matthews?”

  Sandy doesn’t know if it’s because of the beers or if she would be so bold without them, but she just can’t help herself.

  “What kind of place is Rudy’s?”

  Sandy jumps up from her couch and does a silly victory dance, then walks to her fridge to get a bottle of beer, while she answers, “It’s a pub. It’s a bit loud and overcrowded most of the time, but they have good food.”

  “What did you eat?”

  “Don’t judge me, but I had a few fried macaroni and cheese balls for an appetizer. But I was good for my entrée and had a grilled chicken salad.”

  With a small laugh, Paige says, “I would never judge you for eating whatever you want. There are few pleasures we can enjoy on a daily basis.” Sandy nearly moans into the phone. “Eating should always be an enjoyable experience.”

  “What other pleasures can a person enjoy every day?” Sandy laughs and shakes her head as she blushes beet red, and says, “Sorry, I think that’s the beer talking.”

  “Really?” Paige’s teasing tone sends a shiver down Sandy’s back and causes a spasm between her thighs. “If you’re too loose from a few beers, maybe you’re not clear headed enough to proof this letter tonight. I’ll excuse you from the assignment till the morning. Is that your preferred drink, beer?”

  Sandy gets comfortable against the arm of the couch with her legs stretched across the cushions, and says, “It depends on the occasion and meal. I like wine and champagne, but I rarely have an opportunity to drink either. I guess I tend to have beer and mixed drinks more often.” She pauses, then quickly adds, “But I don’t drink every day or anything.”

  “And what sort of opportunity do you think is necessary to justify indulging in wine or champagne? Don’t you think you deserve to have the drink of your choice whenever you want? You work hard, don’t you? Wouldn’t it be nice to come home to a glass of chilled red wine after work?”

  The normal authoritative tone in Paige’s voice has been replaced with something playful and almost seductive, causing a throbbing pulse between Sandy’s thighs. She instinctively cups herself on the outside of her jeans and swallows hard as heat bursts in her chest and creeps up her neck and into her cheeks.

  With her voice hushed from her arousal, Sandy says, “Yes, that does sound nice. But I guess I view wine and champagne as being romantic beverages that are best when shared with friends or a significant other. Or to celebrate a big achievement.”

  “Ouch. Securing the job as my lovely assistant wasn’t a big enough achievement to have some wine tonight?”

  Sandy laughs hard and quickly says, “Miss Matthews, I do believe you are twisting my words to tempt me into a corner.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Miss Sandy Applegate. I’m simply drawing conclusions from your own statements.”

  Sandy is silent for several moments while she tries to think of something witty to retort, but she’s drawing a blank. Paige Matthews is sharp and has effortlessly cornered her with no way out.

  “No worries, Sandy. I won’t take it personally that you drank beer instead of wine this evening. Although, I am starting to wonder if this really was a celebration or a venting session about your demanding boss.”

  “Do I detect a bit of insecurity in your voice, Miss Matthews? Are you really worried about how I describe you to my friends?”

  “Very good, Sandy. You took the door I opened instead of trying to boost my ego with flattery.” Sandy laughs with her cheeks aching from the smile that just will not leave her face. “I’ll see you in the morning. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  “Okay, you too, Miss Matthews.”

  She hangs up and slumps down with a long sigh until she’s lying flat on the couch and staring at the ceiling.

  “God, I would love to share a bottle of wine or champagne with her.” Her fingers glide over the seam of her jeans, pressing down against her throbbing clit, making her eyes close to slits and she takes in a sharp breath. “Her voice is so sexy on the phone.” She slaps her forehead. “Why didn’t I ask her what she’s doing tonight to try to keep her on longer?”

  She slips her hand under the waist of her jeans, and as she glides easily over her wet lips, she moans and says, “Maybe it’s for the best.”

  Chapter Three

  With a tablet in her left hand and her eyes skimming an email from a client, Paige walks out of her office with her laptop bag slung over her left shoulder. While still looking at her tablet, she raps two knuckles on the side of Sandy’s cubicle wall, saying, “We’re leaving.”

  Sandy looks up from her computer a bit taken by surprise and scoots back from her desk looking confused, and asks, “I’m sorry?”

  Paige slowly turns her attention from her tablet to look at Sandy, then nods towards her computer. “Save whatever it is you’re working on. We’re getting out of the office for a couple of hours.”

  With her blushing cheeks lightly twitching from the effort to control her excitement, Sandy quickly turns back to her computer to save a letter she was instructed to draft for a prospective client. After locking her computer, she pulls her small purse from the bottom drawer of her desk and stands up as she slings the strap over her head to cross her body.

  Without a word, Paige starts walking at a brisk pace and Sandy follows, keeping a pace behind her. When she reaches the thick double glass doors at the front of the office, Paige pauses to scroll down on a new email she’s reading while she walks. Sandy sidesteps her to push the door open, and Paige immediately walks through, saying, “Thank you, Sandy.”

  “You’re welcome, Miss Matthews.”

  Paige keeps her eyes on her tablet, but the corner of her mouth curls at the sweetness in Sandy’s voice. She pushes the down button for the elevator, and after a couple of people walk out, she and Sandy walk in to stand side by side at the back of the car. While they make their way down to the ground level to get to the parking garage, the doors open a few times at different floors to allow others to join them, filling the car. Paige is still focused on her tablet but very aware of how crowded it’s becoming on the car. As a man nearly backs right into Sandy, Paige is quick to wrap an arm around her waist, grabbing her hip and pulling her to stand with her back against the back of the car, which causes their hips to press together.

  Sandy releases a quiet gasp as she places a hand over Paige’s, and quietly says, “Thanks.”

  Paige just gives her a brief look with a small smile before looking back at her tablet. Unable to pull her arm back because of the tight quarters, they ride the elevator down three more floors without moving an inch, keeping their hips pressed together and Paige’s hand on her opposite hip and Sandy’s hand layered over hers. The electricity between them is palpable, causing both of them to feel a prickling tingle in their skin, as if they’ve been rolling around on a carpet wrapped in a fleece blanket, repeatedly being shocked by the resulting static electricity.

  Once they hit the ground level and the elevator empties, Paige releases Sandy’s hip and they follow the mass of people out of the elevator. She leads Sandy to the parking garage, opens the passenger door for her, earning a blushing grin from her young assistant, then tosses her laptop bag on the backseat.

  As she pushes the start engine button, she gives Sandy a playful grin, and says, “Buckle up. This ca
r goes a bit faster than that boring elevator.”

  Sandy swallows hard as she pulls her belt around her chest and her eyes fall on Paige’s bare sculpted calf flexing as she presses on the brake to put the gorgeous Lexus LS in reverse. Sandy has never been in such a luxuriously handsome car before and seeing Paige, the most beautiful woman she’s ever met, behind the wheel is a major turn on. The air-conditioning is doing nothing to tame the heat building in her chest and growing between her thighs. The deep wine-red leather seats and center console only add to the intoxicating effects of the experience, making her feel like she has been drinking.

  “Have you had lunch?”

  Sandy’s head jerks up from watching Paige’s legs. She clears her throat as she blushes beet red from the knowing smirk on Paige’s face.

  “No, Miss Matthews, not yet.”

  “Good. We’re going to have a working lunch.”

  Sandy’s pulse quickens and she has to bite the inside of her cheek to keep her smile from cleaving her face in two. She’s still on a high from their brief phone conversation last night. And from how friendly Paige was this morning. Even if they’re going to be working, the reality of getting out of the office, just the two of them, to have lunch together feels intimate and excites her. But as Paige pulls into the parking garage of a high rise of luxury condos, her excitement turns to confusion.

  After Paige parks, she grabs her laptop bag off of the backseat, then leads Sandy to an elevator. While they ride up several flights in silence, Paige continues reading emails on her tablet. Once they reach her floor, they walk down two halls, then Paige pauses outside of a door.