The Temp (closed for EklectikChik)

[saedo]

We redressed in near silence, each of us putting our smoothing our semi-disheveled attire into publicly presentability. Only the sounds of our elevated breathing disturbed the quiet.

When at last she looked at me, her earlier uncertainty had returned threefold. She was even less sure of her choice to sneak off with me. I stepped close took her by the hand.

"Bit too fast and furious, I think," I said with a wan smile. "Definitely need to spend more time; your body is something to devour slowly." I lifted my left hand up to her face and cupped her chin. "But you do have someone waiting on you and it wouldn't be right to get you fired." I traced my thumb across her cheek. "Or smudge your makeup," I added with a wink. "We will take it slower next time."

I stepped back slightly and smiled broadly. "Of course, I don't want you forgetting about me. So how about a little incentive to ensure that we meet again?" I knelt down on the floor in front of her and placed my hands on either knee. My hands slid up her thighs, disappearing beneath her skirt. When I withdrew them, my fingers brought her panties along with. After getting Emily to step out of them, I stood up. Carefully folding the slightly damp silk into a small square, I tucked it into the breast pocket of my suit coat.

I winked at her and said, "When you want these back, come see me again. You know where I live. Now best get back before you're missed." I escorted her to the door, letting my hand slip down from her lower back to a place not entirely appropriate. I leaned in the doorway, admiring her sexy sashay till she turned a corner and disappeared from sight.

 

[EklectikChik]

I couldn't believe it. For the rest of the evening, I felt naked and exposed without my panties and no matter what I did, I couldn't catch another glimpse of Jacob. When the evening finally ended, I did my best to exchange formalities as David walked my to my car and made sure I was safely set to go on my way home. He leaned against the door, gazing down at me. “Thank you for your time tonight. This isn't something I usually do, but I must say, it worked out well. Don't be surprised if I call on your services again.”

“I'm glad it worked out well. Thank you for a nice night as well. It was completely painless. I enjoyed your company.” I told him politely and gave him a little wave as I drove off to my place. Thoughts of Jacob filled my mind as I made the short trip to my tiny apartment and let myself in, kicking off my shoes.

He'd pushed away the awkwardness with a simple touch at the end, his smile warmer and more genuine as he teased me. On top of that, he'd taken my panties as well. Now in the privacy of my room, I let the red dress pool at my feet, following by my bra before I slid onto my bed, naked. My skin felt hot, parts of me tingling and achy for attention, which I readily proceeded to do. I tweaked my nipples, pinching one aching tip until I moaned loudly, wishing he'd done that to me as my other hand snuck between my spread thighs.

I let out a soft gasp as my fingers found my throbbing little clit. The hard nub under my rotating fingers. I circled it, pressed down and flicked it gently before I slid down between my lips and brought the slick juices up to wet it and repeat the whole process again. “Oh yes.” I breathed out loud, my eyes closing as I palmed one full breast and let my hips move, working to meet my teasing hand. Moments later I was shaking, my thighs tensing as I dug my heels into the bed and bucked, shuddering and moaning, Jacob's name bursting from my lips as my body sagged against the bed, melting all over. Oh this was bad.

Now sleepy, I rolled onto my side, wiggling under the blankets as my eyes shut. Did he truly want me to collect my panties? Was it just sex to him or a deeper attraction? I wasn't sure what to make of it all, but for now, sleep took over and I let myself sink into it happily.

 

[saedo]

As soon as Emily disappeared from view, I returned to the conference room and tidied up as best I could. No point in leaving a mess behind in case someone complained.

I ducked out of the building without returning to the party. I was tempted to return to the party and see how she handled herself. Would she be able to behave convincingly with her client? Or would her "just got fucked" look be plain for all to see? But much as I'd like to see her get flustered around me, I figured I'd placed enough stress on her for tonight.

I took no action for the next few days, waiting to see if Emily would come see me to retrieve her panties. But alas, no luck. Apparently I'd have to give her an invitation.

On Monday, I started at a lingerie shop. I flirted heavily with the cute young salesgirl, who batted her eyes at me like crazy. I looked at a variety of lingerie, but having never actually seen Emily naked, I could only guess at her size. Limited by that, the salesgirl helped me pick out a babydoll since that was more likely to fit. The fabric was red lace, so it offered just a hint of the bare flesh beneath. Imagining Emily's tremendous cleavage peeking out of it sold me right away. I had the salesgirl box it up and wrap it with a demure white ribbon.

To the box, I added a small envelope containing a plain white card that read simply: "My place, Friday, 8 PM." To this I added a drop of my cologne.

As I expected, Sylvia was all too pleased to help with my mystery package. "I shall see her Tuesday. I give it too her then," she promised eagerly before inhaling deeply on her cigarette. I nodded and departed, holding my breath till I got into fresh air again. Now I had only to wait and see what Friday brought.

 

[EklectikChik]

The following week proved to be futile in my job hunt and my mind wasn't quite in the game. Instead, I kept reliving the moments I'd spent with Jacob at the party, torn between wanting to swing by his place and yet feeling like I'd made a fool of myself. Frustrated, I tried to get some work done and then tidied my little apartment until it was immaculate and fresh smelling again.

I had a meeting with Sylvia. I wanted to speak with her about this whole 'dating' business and see if she had anything else to offer. I also avoided phone calls from my mother like the plague. I didn't want to hear a round of “I told you sos” and “You can always come home until you get on your feet again.” I knew I could do this alone, it was just a matter of finding the right gig.

So with that mind set, I tried to push Jacob out of my mind, although my body still ached for him even as my mind rebelled. The time dragged on, until I finally made it to Sylvia's on our set time. Eager to hear if she had anything to offer.

“Emily, so nice to see you.” She greeted, puffing on a cigarette, the ashtray beside her was brimming over and I silently laughed to myself. “Come, sit sit.”

“How are you Sylvia?” I asked, watching her blow smoke into the air. My clothes would soon be permeated in the smell. Ugh.

“I had a surprise visit from Mr. Trask. He asked me to deliver this to you today as we were to be meeting.” She said and I instantly went on alert as she reached down to the bottom drawer of her desk and produced a plain, but pretty package and handed it to me. I frowned slightly and tested it's weight.

“Um...thank you.” I fought the flush as Sylvia's sharp gaze studied my face and I cleared my throat. “I was hoping we could discuss any new possibilities. I don't think I should continue to do this dating business. I...well...I don't want men to get the wrong idea.”

“Have they?”

My fingers toyed with the bow on the box and shook my head. “No...Jacob and David were both very gentlemanly, but it still can't look right, for me. I can't add this to my resume.”

“Very well. I'll see what else I can do for you my dear. I might have a few temp jobs. Give me until Monday and I shall have a list for you.” Those eyes slid down to the box and back up to my face and I felt that flush heat my cheeks again. “Mr. Trask seems very fond of you. I've known Jacob for some time now. It's not like him to drop off 'gifts' to people who have been employed through our company.”

I laughed nervously, “Well, I'm hardly employed by him.”

I left it at that and stood, holding the box close as I left Sylvia's place and swiftly moved to my car. There I sat and opened the box with trembling fingers. On top of soft tissue paper, I found his card and his scent assailed me. I sighed, my pussy clenching at his memory and heart pounding as I read the short note and then moved the tissue paper aside to see the scrap of lace that was inside. “Oh no...” I breathed, quickly covering the gift back up.

I shook my head and quickly set it aside, gunning my car and heading back home. I would tell him that this couldn't continue. I didn't do casual sex. I didn't just fuck around and the night before had been a mistake...hadn't it? I struggled with the thoughts as I returned home and began to prepare myself. In my tub, I soaked and shaved, washing away the scent of cigarettes. I then spent a lot more time than necessary spreading lotion over my skin before dressing.

Going as just Emily, I slid on a pair of comfortable jeans and a decorative tank top, slipping on my comfortable sandals as I brushed my hair out into soft waves. This couldn't wait. He had to know I couldn't do this. I tried to remain calm, but as I decided to drive to his place and leave him the package, my pulse pounded in my ears.

The drive there did nothing to ease my nerves or calm my mind, but I had every intention on confronting him about this. It wasn't Friday and it wasn't late, but I found myself walking the path to his door. With a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and rang the doorbell, pressing the box to my chest almost protectively and waited.

 

[saedo]

I grumbled aloud when the doorbell rang. I had my hands full in the kitchen and didn’t care to be dragged away. Probably one of those damn kids in the neighborhood selling candy or something for their extracurricular activity of choice.

Still, I had appearances to maintain with their parents. I sighed and turned down the heat on the burners. Hopefully it wouldn't take too long.

To my surprise, I found Emily on my front porch. She held the box from the lingerie store in front of her like a little shield. She was dressed casually, but had done her hair and makeup. It seemed too informal for date but too put together for a quick drive by.

"Hey Emily," I began, then furrowed my brow. "It is still Wednesday, right? It is. I assume you're not just incredibly early for Friday, so what brings you by?"

I'd hoped my jocular tone might warrant a hint of amusement, but she remained stone cold. I'd seen that focused look from women before. Enough so that I didn't even need to hear the words. "We need to talk."

I wanted to sigh and roll my eyes, but knew that women with that look really hated that. Instead I shrugged and said, "Come on in, then. I've got sauce on the stove I need to tend to."

I lead the way back to the kitchen. "Afraid you caught me practicing for Friday night," I said. "Undercuts the surprise a little, but I guess it means I won't have to wonder how much salty you like your marinara." I rushed to the stove and gave my concoction a few stirs. "Gotta be careful with this so it doesn't burn," I said over my shoulder.

Satisfied my work had survived my absence, I turned back to Emily. "So, what's on your mind?"

 

[EklectikChik]

Practicing for Friday. That statement in itself made me feel suddenly guilty. I wasn't sure why, but I didn't picture Jacob cooking for himself, let alone me. And I hadn't expected dinner before or after sex. In my mind, I'd painted a pretty clean and cut picture. I was to come by, have sex and then be sent on my way home. Now I felt a little stupid, standing in his kitchen while I watched him tend to the sauce. It smelled wonderful and instantly my stomach clenched a little. From the sauce or his presence I wasn't quite sure, maybe a mixture of the two.

When he turned, I felt my cheeks heat up. “I erm...” I faltered and pinched the bridge of my nose, setting the box he'd sent me on the kitchen counter and let out a long breath. “I didn't mean to bother you, by any means. Your gift is..lovely.” I started off slowly, measuring my words and trying to make sure I didn't offend.

My green eyes gaze him an uncertain look as I continued, “I'm a little confused. You have to understand, this sort of thing doesn't happen to me. I don't...have casual sex with handsome men at parties. I've never been bent over a desk and...” I stopped, clearing my throat and feeling my body heat up at the memory. “We're still near strangers and yet I've slept with you already and then I get this package with obvious expectations and well...I...”

I blew out a breath and groaned, “I know I'm sounding naïve here, but I don't think I'm what you want...”

“The sauce smells really good though.” I added sweetly and flashed him a smile, knowing I was turning several shades of pink.

 

[saedo]

I listened to her while I toyed with the sauce. I'd half expected a grand declaration given her earlier visage. But apparently the certainty of her convictions had fled her in the walk to the kitchen. Apparently confronting me in an apron seemed to fluster her.

At last, I could bear it no more. I wiped my hands clean on a towel before I tilted her face up to mine. Leaning down, I kissed her gently on the lips. "Sorry," I murmured. "I couldn't resist; you look absolutely adorable when you blush like that."

I turned back to the sauce and stirred. Almost ready, or at least near as I could tell by the aroma.

"Quite the mouthful," I said. "What you said, not the sauce. Though it isn't so bad itself. But I digress. "

"Not sure how to respond, really. So many little tidbits you've dropped tonight." I turned up the heat under the pot of water. The already warm liquid began to give off whiffs of vapor.

"I am not sure what to make of the 'I don't do this kind of thing' part. Am I something special you broke the rules for? Or am I your regrettable mistake?"

I tore open the box of pasta as I reflected. "As for expectations, that's probably overstating.. I have hopes, perhaps, not expectations."

I gave the sauce another stir and then turned to face her. "If we're going to be blunt about it, yes, I hope to sleep with you again. Preferably with less time pressure than the first go-round, but definitely again. I enjoyed sex with you and I'd like to do it again." I tilted my head to the side. "I shouldn't think that would be much of a surprise to you."

"I also hope you'll have dinner with me. You've proved yourself clever and witty, so I think it might be fun to talk to. Plus I'd hope to not be eating pasta leftovers for a week."

"So yes, my interest in you is partly sexual. Not entirely so, but certainly in part. If that bothers you and you want nothing more to do with me, then I wish you well." The water now boiling, I tossed in a dash of salt and olive oil before adding the linguine noodles.

"But if you can handle having dinner with a man who is attracted to you, then I hope you stay."

 

[EklectikChik]

His soft kiss caught me by surprise, a soft sigh escaping my lips as my body instantly tingled to life. Maybe this is what was making me uncomfortable. The ease in which he was making me respond by the merest touch or a look, his presence alone. So much larger than her own. Full of confidence and control.

Was he something special? Did she regret their quick burst of passion nights before? No...she didn't and yes, he was. She opened her mouth to respond, only to have him continue and when finally he was done, I couldn't help but feel my resolve of returning his gift and walking away melt. I truly did enjoy him and wanted to know more about him, not just his sexual side.

“I want to stay Jacob, especially since you went through such lengths to perfect your sauce for me. I honestly couldn't have imagined you in an apron.” She giggled softly, her eyes now sparkling with teasing humor. “I have to admit, it becomes you.”

Feeling more at least, I rubbed my palms and took a deep cleansing breath. “So tell me, what can I do to help?”

 

[saedo]

"Nothing strenuous to start you off," I replied, handing her the spoon. "Just give that a stir every so often to keep from sides and bottom from getting burnt."

I set myself to getting the water heating. No sooner had I finished that than oven timer went off. I retrieved the sourdough loaf within and set it on a cooling rack.

I turned back to see how Emily was doing. I shot her a quick smile when her eyes met mine.

When the first bubbles broke the surface on the water, I added a pinch of salt and opened the package of linguine. As the noodles cooked, I picked up the pinot noir I had selected and removed the cork. I set the bottle on the table. Since I now had company, I added a second place setting as well.

"You can take that off the heat," I instructed. I set out a colander in the sink to drain the noodles and poured the boiling mixture into it. "Alright," I announced, "time to eat."

 

[EklectikChik]

I smiled, happy to be helping him out with the remainder of his dinner preparations. Slowly the tension I had felt earlier drained from me and I began to relax.

Graciously, he set the table and loaded up our plates, urging me to sit down at the table. I did so without question as he placed a steaming plate of food before me. "It smells really good." I told him, smiling still as he folded his taller frame into his own seat across from mine.

It was fun watching him in his own home, his own element. A more relaxed Jacob. One who was a lot more relaxed and quicker to smile. "Do you enjoy cooking or were you just trying to perfect your plans of seduction?" I found myself teasing him, a small mischievous grin playing on my lips as I twirled the pasta around my fork, generously covered with sauce and brought it up to blow on it gently before taking a bite.

Flavor burst in my mouth and I moaned in appreciation of good food. With a couple of small nods, I chewed and swallowed, giving him a thumbs up. "Very good. Did you take classes or is this self taught?"

 

[saedo]

"I do cook, but I tend not to get as elaborate when it's just me I'm cooking for." I tore off a chunk of sourdough for emphasis. "I probably would have stopped with the pasta, had it just been me. Bread has a long lead time because you have to let it rise."

I grinned at her. "Besides, as we've already established, I'm hoping to see you naked again, so have to go the extra mile. On the other hand, I see myself naked every day, so the motivation isn't quite the same." I winked at her and took a sip of the wine.

"I am glad you enjoy the taste. I don't cook like this often, so it's good to know I haven't forgotten all the stuff I've learned. Also means that after driving all the way out here, you at the very least got a hot meal for your troubles."

 

[EklectikChik]

I flushed at his comment, laughing softly after swallowing and taking a sip of the wine he had poured. "Well, your skills have not gone rusty. If I'd come here to get naked instead of giving you a good ol' boring lecture, you may have gotten lucky."

I poked my tongue out playfully and grinned as I took another bite, chewed and swallowed. "Besides...to be honest you really don't live too far from me. So not as though I exhausted myself getting here."

With a casual shrug, "So...tell me, how did everything go after our evening? I'm assuming that it all went as planned and you got the' job' so to speak?"

 

[saedo]

"Oh, it went forward as planned. Signed the deal and everything. You earned your pay for sure."

I swirled the wine in my glass and then smiled. "You, by the way, have a standing invitation to come visit if you are ever 'out that way'. His wife apparently would just love to take you to her favorite spa and have them give you the full treatment."

I chuckled softly. "I am trusting that's not a euphemism. She was getting a little flirty towards the more she drank. Could be she just wanted to get you naked and covered in baby oil. Not that anyone could fault her much on that score," I said, winking mischievously.

"How about business for you? Still plying your trade with the guy from the fundraiser the other night?"

 

[EklectikChik]

I burst into giggles, almost choking on my food and quickly covered my mouth with a napkin and swallowed. "I seriously doubt she swings that way, but you can dream it all you like. Alcohol makes us all a little crazy..."

Taking a careful sip of my wine again, I tilted my head to the side in thought. "I think I'm done with this whole date for money deal. I feel like a cheap hooker, only I don't provide the sex. But I'm afraid someone will think I do one night and that might get ugly. I had a talk with Sylvia. It's either find me something else or...well, lets just say I'll be reluctantly moving back in with Mom and Dad until I find something that suits me and the lifestyle I was hoping for. I'm not afraid of work, but on the other hand, I also don't want to be an old crotchety spinster because I spend all my time locked up in my office. Life is too short..."

With a soft sigh, I studied the masculine lines of his face, a small smile playing on my lips. "I'm probably off my rocker, aren't I?"

 

[saedo]

"Crochety?" I responded bemusedly. "Spinster? Certainly not the image I'd project for you in 50 years. You seem more like the Meemaw type, forever trotting out pictures of your eight grandkids." I shook my head. "No, definitely not the type to wind up alone."

"Still, I think you might be right. If you're not inclined to be full-service, there's probably not much of a market for that line of work. Go big or go home, so to speak. "

"Which isn't to say you lack the qualifications to add to your repertoire," I continued with a slight smile, gazing at Emily through half-lidded eyes. "Based on my admittedly limited experience, I think it well within your capabilities."

"Of course, I am likewise not suggesting that is your only option. You seem bright and talented - what other pursuits interest you?"

 

[EklectikChik]

I giggled as his observation. I could see myself doing just that, bragging about kids and grandchildren, but at the rate things were going, I wouldn't get there. I needed romance and a man in my life to achieve children to produce grandchildren.

His next statement made me blush, but I couldn't help but grin, my stomach quivering as he gazed at me with those sexy bedroom eyes. “You're incorrigible.” I shot back and giggled, then pursed my lips in thought.

“Well...I was sort of interested in writing actually. Children's books...now that you mention meemaws. Ha! But I enjoy it...I've had one finished and one in the works, but haven't found a publisher yet. I even do my own drawings...not sure I could make a living out of it, but certainly more fun that the hum drum of the 9-5 rat race.”

 

[saedo]

"A writer and an artist?" I mused. "So many hidden talents, Emily. You're always a source of surprise."

I tipped out the last remains of the bottle into our glasses. I judged the wine rather sharp for my palate, but not unpleasantly so. Still, it was making me drowsy. I yawned reflexively at the thought.

"So what sort of book is it? Do you rhyme like Dr. Seuss? Have a cute animal like Curious George or Paddington Bear?" I yawned again. "May need you to read it to me; feels like I'm about ready for a bedtime story."

 

[EklectikChik]

I grinned, "I'll just have to show you." I told him, noticing his yawns and admiring the way he stretched his body.

"Read you a story, tuck you in and then lock the door behind me?" I teased and laughed softly. Standing, I began to clear off his table, urging him to sit when he tried to stand. "I got it. You just relax. I think someone has been working too hard."

Happy to be doing my part in some little way, I set the dishes in the sink after scraping what little food was left behind off and rinsed them off so that they could be properly washed later and then wiped my hands on a paper towel, tossing it in the trash before I turned back to him. On impulse, I moved back and behind his broad shoulders. He really did look worn out and I felt guilty for interrupting his day, coming unannounced to give him a piece of her mind.

My fingers slid over his shoulders and I squeezed, "Thank you again for dinner." I told him softly, my fingers massaging the firm muscles of his shoulders, thumbs sliding his neck and working the stiffness out.

 

[saedo]

I grunted softly as her fingers worked my shoulders, finding kinks I didn't realize I had. "You're quite . . .ahhh. . . welcome," I murmured in response.

Emily didn't stop with just the shoulders, but continued down my back. "Mmm," I groaned. " A guy could get used to this. Gah! Oh, that feels nice."

Perhaps encouraged by my delight, Emily's surprisingly strong fingers worked their way to the base of my spine. "Gargh!" I grunted as she kneaded a particularly tense knot. "I'm really liking this," I sighed. "But in the spirit of honesty, if you go any lower, it'll be a very different kind of stiffness that needs working out . . .."

 

[EklectikChik]

I was definitely enjoying myself and was actually surprised by how tense he was. "Well...this would work better without your shirt on, but I didn't want you to get the wrong idea..."

I let my words trail off, enjoying the play of his muscles under my fingers through the fabric of his shirt as I trailed lower and felt him tense, then relax. His sigh was music to my ears and I felt warms pool low again in my belly, making me ache for something else. He confirmed that his line of thought would swiftly head south as well as if I continued any lower...and I was tempted to test it.

Instead, I rationally slid my hands slowly up his back, gently rubbing, then curling my fingers to scratch him tightly. He shivered and let out a little moan and I smiled to myself, wanting to bury my fingers in his hair. "Well, I suppose if I don't want to end up modeling that piece of lingerie, I should behave and get out of here. After all...you seem tired and I am sure you have a long day ahead."

"Maybe I should leave you my number and address...so that Sylvia doesn't have to be the go between...." I said lightly, leaving it open for him to decide.

 

[saedo]

"Yeah, I suppose it is getting late, " I murmured. I'd made clear my preference for her to stay, but she'd ducked the idea yet again. I knew from experience that some girls liked to play hard to get, preferring to say "he talked me into it" rather than admit they had a libido, too. I found it tiresome, but I'd rather play the game than spend the night alone.

But while Emily seemed amused by my persistence, I'd made enough ribald hints to push that envelope. I didn't want to transition from cute to creepy by becoming the guy who just couldn't take a hint. Time to cut my losses.

I walked her to the door and stepped outside with her into the slight chill. "Thanks for stopping by," I smiled. "Drive safe." I watched her settle into her car and waved as her headlights swung away from the curb and sped out into the night.

I closed the door and yawned. It was a tad early for me to be turning in, but I had drunk the lion's share of the wine. And though I heard echoes of my mother in admitting it, tonight was a school night - or rather, a work night. I stretched stereotypical and headed upstairs to bed.

 

[EklectikChik]

I had to admit to myself that leaving Jacob after all his hints left me feeling sort of...empty. I missed his presence as soon as I got into my car and drove home for the evening. Part of me was mad at myself. When had I become such a prude? Why was I being so stand offish? Because I was afraid of rejection or because I was afraid I wasn't good enough for a tycoon such as himself.

I mulled it over all the way home, peeved by the time I got home. I kicked off my shoes and changed into some sweats and then slumped on my couch, annoyed. With a drawn out sigh, I checked my mail...finding one loooong email from my mother who was begging me to come home for a visit. I groaned and shut off my laptop, glancing at some scattered drawings on the table...remembering Jacob's words and smiling. Damn him. But he had gotten under my skin quickly.

Flipping on the TV, I snuggled down under one of my favorite blankets and zoned out. In the next few days life return as usual. When all else failed, I ventured to my favorite coffee shop and sat down with my sketch pad and colored pencils and worked on a long over due project. It was Friday morning and I was engrossed in both the drawings I was working on and thoughts of Jacob that persisted to plague my mind when my name suddenly came out of the blue, shrill and excited.

I jumped, almost spilling my coffee all over my favorite jeans and glanced up to see Maggie coming towards me, skirts flouncing, face beaming as she approached and quickly pulled me into a bit of an awkward hug on my part. "Emily!! How good to see you my dear!? And how are you?!"

"Oh erm...Maggie. Fancy meeting you here!" I said, laughing nervously as alarm bells went off in my head. Oh god! I didn't even have Jacob's number to call him.