s*x Chained

At the Office

Chapter 2

Booting up her computer, Nat positioned her ear phones, took a sip of coffee, and prepared to start her day. An hour into her work, she felt a tap on her shoulder, and looked up to find David Finch, the floor manager, peering down at her. Nat pulled her ear phones away and gave the tall, red-headed man a questioning look. David rarely made the rounds unless to fetch the semi-weekly reports on flash drives. Today was not flash drive day.

"You're wanted in the meeting room," he told her simply and without any facial nuances to indicate the seriousness of the request. Without a word, Nat rose and followed the supervisor to the room in the rear that served as a private space for account execs who wanted to meet with clients. Like most of the executive areas, this room reeked of sleek, efficient ambiance, blond paneled wood, and glass and chrome accents.

As soon as David opened the door, he turned and left Nat to enter without preamble. Taking in a deep breath, she moved forward and found herself alone with none other than the new account manager, Christian O'Connell.

"Hello!" he greeted amiably. "Come on in, Ms..." He quickly consulted an open file. "Ms. Blanchard, correct?"

Nat nodded wordlessly and took one of the padded chairs at the meeting table, not too far away but near enough to smell the woodsy scent of his after shave. With one leg crossed at the knee, the new manager worked in his shirtsleeves, rolled up just enough to expose dark, silky arm hair. He flashed an attractive smile with even white teeth; and his lips—not too thin or too pouty—seemed perfect for his expansive mouth.

"Well, Ms. Blanchard, I've heard good things about you." O'Connell’s gaze remained firmly fixed on Nat. "You're efficient, knowledgeable, reliable, and responsible, etc..." He let out a little chuckle, but she found it impossible to join him. Her face had already colored to a deep blush, and she felt the horrible pricks of embarrassment. Just who exactly had informed the new manager about her work ethics?

"Mr. Finch assures me you'll be a good fit as my personal office assistant. That's if you're interested in the position."

O'Connell's gaze—with eyes like twin pools of sparking blue—continued to regard her, and Nat felt better when she realized he viewed her with an affable air rather than with a stuffy, corporate eye. For some reason, she knew this business relationship would work out perfectly.

"Yes, sir, I'm very interested."

"If we're going to work together, you have to call me Chris, and I'd like to call you Natalie."

"Nat," she murmured. But when Chris O'Connell edged closer to understand what she just said, she spoke again, this time in a stronger and emboldened tone. “I prefer to go by Nat.”

Relaxing in his chair, he smiled. "All right then, Nat. If you want you can start relocating this afternoon. I have the corner office near the potted rubber tree, and you'll have the outer L counter where you can set up however you feel most comfortable."

"Yes, thank you, sir... Chris." Suddenly, Nat shot up and extended her hand, and then shivered deliciously when his cool fingers touched hers in a quick shake.

"Just to let you know, Nat, I get my own coffee and wouldn't dream of asking you to do something I wouldn't do myself. And even though you’re technically my assistant, I'd still appreciate your input from time to time." Chris glanced at the file once more before he looked back at her with another one of his handsome smiles. "You've been here seven years so you know this business inside out. I expect to rely on your expertise. And I also expect you to use your judgment and show initiative. I'm not at all like one of those bosses who consider their assistants nothing more than lackeys and yes people. If you feel that my proposals and work need fixing or lack something, please speak up and add your input. With that, I think we'll get along beautifully.”

"Thank you, sir...Chris!" Nat hoped she hadn't been drooling as he spoke, her gaze riveted on his handsome face. But she quickly broke the spell, rose and turned to exit the room as swiftly as etiquette allowed. By the time she started back to her cubicle she felt as if she walked on fluffy clouds of pure joy. Here she was—plain, unexciting and unassuming Natalie Blanchard, a girl most men usually ignored—ready to work for her new boss, the most gorgeous man on earth! Could life get any more sublime? To celebrate after work, Nat knew she would stop at the deli for a decadent treat, a box of Bikel's famous apple blintzes, and for an additional treat, a bottle of Cold Duck. She would have preferred a more expensive brand of champagne or sparkling wine, but on her salary, Nat had to stick with the basics. On her way home, she played her favorite song, “Dream Love” by Ashika.

My dream love lives in my mind and my heart;

A lover who ignites my soul and fills me with desire;

A lover not a fighter who would tear me apart;

A dream lover who will only inspire...

My dreams of love tonight.

And tonight, when she fell asleep, Nat could indulge in decadent scenes with her dream love. Perhaps now, she had a name for her mystery lover: Chris O'Connell.