The Other C-Word (18 page)

When we got into his car, I fought the urge to scream at him. I stopped myself and replayed the conversation. Really, Rick’s words were salacious to me, but in a strange way, he had managed to reject Kathy’s obvious advances in front of me without insulting her. Although the statement ‘there’s nothing, you can do for me…right now’ didn’t help. Did he mean later? Like, when he was done with me? I decided to let it all go. I just wanted my results. By the way Rick was breaking every speed limit, I could tell he was thinking the same thing.

He ran into the clinic like a marathon runner. I laughed, following behind him.

After we got our results, he drove over to the abandoned lot again. We studied our own tests then traded with each other. He put down the paper and smiled broadly. “The best C-word…clean.”

“Yep, so are we going to do it now?”

“I want to, but I think it would defeat all our hard work to fuck you in the back seat of my car like a horny teenager. Besides, I told Kathy we were having brunch, and we should stop somewhere. I don’t want to risk you fainting.”

I smirked at him. “I only get an hour for lunch, and my boss has given me a ton of work, so I’ll have to pass.”

He smiled, shaking his head. “You are the studious assistant, aren’t you?”

“Oh, you have no idea, but you will,” I replied breathlessly.

“Stop talking right now, Marley,” he said, holding his hand out in a sign of dismissal. I giggled the whole way back to the office as he clutched the steering wheel as if he were hanging from it.

He ordered lunch in for us, and I told Dillon to come by and grab a plate. I had no idea how Rick expected the two of us to consume two large pizzas. Dillon grabbed a seat at the edge of my desk and chewed on his pizza while I finished my reports. Rick relegated himself to his office, taking a few slices with him.

“Look at you, Marley Mason, rocking the jean skirt. A blast from the past,” Dillon mused as he re-arranged the pepperoni on his slice of pizza.

I smiled. “It’s Mom’s.”

“It’s pretty cool. Tell me, kid, does Rick like it?”

I looked up at him. “I don’t know. I don’t think it’s appropriate to ask my boss his opinion on my outfit.” I trusted Dillon, but I didn’t want to spill this secret just yet, although I suspected he already knew.

Dillon chuckled. “Come off it, kid. It’s pretty obvious he digs your skirt. He wants to examine the stitching up close.”

I reddened. “Dillon, shut the hell up, please. No one is examining my stitching.” Did everything these days sound overtly sexual?

“Relax, Marley. I know it’s obvious because I know you. It’s not to anyone else. Hell, Kathy’s practically planning to coerce the man in the bathroom.”

“What? Seriously?”

Dillon chuckled, shaking his head. “He’s the hottest thing to happen around here since the air conditioning went on the fritz last August, so yeah.”

I swallowed. “That won’t happen.”

“Why?” Dillon replied, stopping his pepperoni rearranging to stare at my reaction.

“Because he’s mine and I don’t share,” I hissed.

Dillon smiled widely. “Since when? You’ve never had a jealous bone in your body.”

“Since him.” It was stupid, because even I knew it was temporary. Still, Rick was temporally mine, and I wouldn’t let Kathy interfere with that. She could have all the douchebag Doug’s in the world, but she wouldn’t ruin Rick for me.

“I thought so, don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.” I knew it was. Dillon wouldn’t blab to anyone, not even my family. We had a deep-rooted friendship, which prevented us from intentionally hurting each other.

After Dillon had left, I found myself constantly glancing at the clock. It seemed like time was mocking me today, moving slower, prolonging my anguish. Kathy came in to see Rick about her ideas, and I felt like the clock wasn’t the only thing tormenting me.

“Hi, Kathy,” I greeted, faking a smile.

“Hi, Marley, nice skirt. Did you get it from a thrift store?”
Oh—there’s the Kathy I’ve grown to scorn.

“No, it’s my mother’s.”

“Ah, well, it looks like it belongs in another decade.”

Yeah, I’d like to punch you into another decade.
“I’m glad you like vintage too, Kathy. I see you’re trying to bring the girdle back all by yourself.” It was snide, but I couldn’t resist.

“I’m here for Rick,” she said, walking past me. She’d actually said I’m here
for
Rick, not I’m here
to see
Rick. My mean girl senses were locked and loaded.

I called Rick, and he came out to receive Kathy.

“Rick, I’m so glad you made this suggestion. It’s about time we got together for a little brainstorming session.”

I rolled my eyes since she couldn’t see me.

“Kathy, I’m anxious to hear your suggestions. Marley, hold my calls please.”

I replayed the conversation from the elevator in my head. Was it possible I’d misinterpreted it, and he wanted her too, or worse,
instead
?

I looked over at his closed office door. Damn, it must have been soundproof because I couldn’t hear a thing. I stared at the window to his office. The blinds were slanted open. I bet I could see right through them. That hideous plant was still beneath it. It looked pitifully sick with overgrown and yellowing leaves. I really needed to remove the dead leaves. After all, I knew from my informal knowledge of gardening that plants waste energy fruitlessly replenishing dying leaves. It was practically calling to me, begging me to help it. I walked over and bent down, pulling out a few leaves, then I raised my head so I could see into the opening of the blinds. Kathy’s back was to me. She was sitting in a chair opposite Rick, who was seated behind his desk. She kept leaning towards him, using his desk as a personal pedestal for her ample cleavage.

He smiled amicably at her and nodded, even jotting down notes during the conversation. Then his gaze shifted…straight to me. I crouched right away underneath the window. Had he seen me? Maybe it was just my imagination. I rose up again. He smiled at her, but then glanced back at me. This time, I knew I hadn’t imagined it. The best thing to do was to crawl back to my desk, but I wasn’t done with the poor plant. It still needed my help. Besides, I couldn’t look away. Kathy was after what was mine. I knew it.

I stood up on my knees and peeked again. I ducked down several more times when Rick glanced in my direction. I hoped I was faster than he was. I couldn’t hear their conversation, but I sure could hear Kathy’s shrill laugh. You would think Rick was a stand-up comedian the way she giggled at everything he said. Geez, he wasn’t that funny. They stood, and I knew I should scoot my butt back to my desk, but I couldn’t. She strutted towards him like a cat on the prowl. She opened her arms as if to embrace him, or possibly more. My knees felt cemented to the carpet. The movements appeared to happen in slow motion. She shifted closer to press her body to him and he…he held out his hand to her. I breathed a sigh of relief. He gave her a handshake. Her shoulders slumped in defeat, but she returned his handshake, allowing her hand to linger far too long.

I was so busy being relieved that I didn’t notice when they walked towards the door, or even the sound of the door opening. They both abruptly stopped their goodbyes to gape at me. Rick cocked his eyebrows, and Kathy shook her head in disgust. Although, I doubted Kathy’s response was completely because of me. She had been rejected, after all.

“Marley, what are you doing?” Kathy asked me with a disapproving scowl.

“I was, um…” I’d had an excuse, but what was it? “I was removing the dead leaves from this plant.”

“Well you definitely don’t have a green thumb,” she said.

I looked around me. I was unable to hide my own shock from what I’d done.
Holy crap!
I’d unconsciously managed to pluck every single leaf—dead and living—from the stupid plant. A carpet of green and yellow surrounded me. It looked as if a tree had exploded in our office. I stared up at Rick. His expression was somewhere between amused and confused. It was hard to tell.

“Thanks for stopping by, Kathy.” Rick ushered her out of the door before she made any more comments. Once he’d closed the outer office door, he turned his attention back at me, shaking his head.

“Get your ass in my office, right now.”

“I have to clean this up,” I replied meekly.

“Now!” he growled. I stood, shoulders hunched, and walked in. I felt like I was in high school being summoned to the principal’s office for reprimand. It wasn’t a completely new experience for me. Although, Mr Jones, my principle, had never pinned me against the wall and leaned into me like Rick did.

“What the hell were you doing?”

“I was removing the dead leaves from the plant,” I answered as if it were obvious.

“You were killing the plant. I was talking to Kathy and every time I looked up, there you were, with your nose pressed to the window like a fucking Peeping Tom. What the hell was all that about?”

The jig was up, and I really should have just told the truth at this point. What was the use in keeping up with the charade? All it had done was kill an innocent plant. “I was curious what you were doing with Kathy.”

“I was talking to her, or more like listening as she rambled. Marley, are you jealous of Kathy?” he asked incredulously as if the idea was shocking to him.

“Well, you’re the one who had the whole fucking coded conversation with her about input and data.”

Rick was thoughtful for a moment before he spoke. “I was trying to convey a hidden message, but not to her, Marley, to you. For the next three months, you’re mine, right?” I nodded slowly. “It works both ways. I promise you have no reason to be jealous of Kathy, or anyone else.”

“So you don’t find her attractive?” I immediately crossed my fingers, waiting for his response.

“No, she’s superhot,” he replied, the boyish grin streaking across his face.

I pushed him, but he barely moved. “Hey! You’re not supposed to say that.”

“I’m honest, if anything, but trust me, I’m not into her.”

I found it hard to believe. Kathy didn’t exactly look like his now ex-girlfriend Amanda, but they had very similar qualities. They carried themselves with grace and style, and I sort of fumbled along in life.

“Marley, Kathy is beautiful, but there’s one girl in this whole building that I find more than beautiful. I find her…irresistible.”

I backed against the wall as he leaned into me, but he stopped just shy of my lips. “What time is it?”

“I don’t know, like four,” I guessed.

He sighed and moved away. “Want to take off early?”

I smiled at him. “Although what we’re doing isn’t against the rules, I don’t exactly want to advertise it. I think leaving early together will start the cogs of the gossip factory for sure.”

He leaned into my neck and rested his head there. “I would say fuck them, but I suppose you’re right.”

“I am right.” His intoxicating scent and the heat of his breath made the decision very difficult.

“Well then, get the hell out of my office, please,” Rick said gruffly, backing away so I could extract myself.

“Yes, sir,” I replied.

“And, Marley?”

I turned to look back.

“Be ready to go at five. No staying late tonight.”

Chapter Eight

Rick was punctual. He stepped out of his office at exactly five and stood behind me, impatiently tapping his foot. I was finishing an email.

“Turn off your computer. I can’t believe you’re not ready.”

“Sorry, I just have to send out this email. My boss wanted me to get it done tonight.” It occurred to me that I’d never seen Rick leave on time before.

“Yeah? Well, he sounds like a total dick.”

I burst out laughing, misspelling a word.

“He can be, so I don’t want to make him mad.”

He leant down and whispered into my ear, “Forget your boss. Just think about the guy who wants to fuck you seven ways to Sunday.” His heated breath against my ear initiated an involuntary shiver that surged through my whole body.

I turned off my computer, and I didn’t wait for the shutdown screens—I did a hard shutdown. The IT police could come after me on Monday. I had other things to do.

I gathered all my stuff and we walked silently to the elevator. It was crammed with people again. Once we got out to the large parking lot, I walked towards my vehicle. “Do you want me to follow you?”

“No, I’m driving. I’ll bring you back here,” Rick said, taking my hand. I wasn’t worried anyone would see us. Our building was large and our office made up a small percentage, but the idea of him driving made me feel vulnerable.

“Rick, I am capable of driving myself,” I protested.

He smiled impishly. “Marley, I’m not taking any chances with you. You got lost going to the airport.”

I stifled a giggle. The lie I had told him during our first meeting was backfiring on me.

We headed towards his rented BMW, where he opened the door for me. The anticipation and events of the past week completely caught up with me. I tried to focus all my energy on the radio, but felt incredibly nervous. Rick had a rock station on, and they were playing U2’s
Mysterious Ways
.
The powerful, sexual lyrics only made me shift uncomfortably.
The song was not helping me
.
Rick seemed to be enjoying it, though. He sang the words softly, strumming his fingers against the steering wheel, occasionally giving me a wicked smile during all the right parts.

Rick’s place was very close to the office so there was no time for idle chitchat, which was good since I currently lacked the ability to articulate. I deserved a Boy Scout merit badge for all the knots in my stomach.

His apartment was one of those corporate deals that came with all the comforts of home and none of the warmth. The living room contained a long chenille couch, a flat-screen television and other non-descript furniture. There was a hallway with two doors, which I assumed were the bedroom and bathroom. A small kitchenette rounded out the space. I looked around, taking it all in. I wished it held some part of Rick. To know someone’s space was to have a better understanding of them. This was all neutral and anonymous and like Rick, temporary.

I walked over to a painting that hung above a wooden desk. It was a seaside picture and looked out of place in the
Chicago
high-rise. I wondered why the designer would have selected this particular painting and not something more indicative of our city. I suppose the design choice was to serve as a soothing and colourful influence in the sterile apartment, but it wasn’t helping me. I studied the lines and colours, trying to calm myself.

I heard Rick shuffling behind me.

“Do you want a drink?” he asked.

“No thanks.”

I didn’t look at him, but I had the feeling he was taking off his clothes. I should be helping him. I should be sucking on his face and running my hands through that sand-coloured hair, but I couldn’t. We shouldn’t have waited. The anticipation was too much. What if he couldn’t perform? As soon as the thought formed, I dismissed it. I wasn’t worried about Rick. I was worried about me. What if
I
couldn’t perform? Then again, I was a woman. Just add water and I come to life, and damn, if I wasn’t already wet.

“This is a strange painting.”

He stepped behind me and I felt the hard press of his sinewy muscles. Rick was naked. He wrapped his arms around me, one across my chest and the other on my thigh. “Are you seriously staring at that ugly painting right now?” he whispered the words into my ear as he trailed his hand underneath my skirt and pulled my lace panties to the side. I gasped at the sudden presence of his finger inside me.

“Why aren’t you naked, Marley? Do you not want me as badly as I want you? You’re so wet, baby. I’m getting mixed signals.”

I leaned into him, relishing the sensations of his touch, but the knots in my stomach wouldn’t subside. I wanted to tell him how aroused I was. How much I wanted to do this with him. I wanted to explain that I was just panicky from all the waiting. In the end though, the only coherent thought I could form was a request. “Rick, can you turn on some music?”

He sighed, but didn’t stop his movements. “If it will help, then yes.” He walked us backwards to the front door where he’d placed his phone on a console table.
I was still in his arms and he still had his finger inside me, only now, he’d added two more.

Rick took his iPod and scrolled through the screens with one hand, still thrusting into me with the other. The man was definitely a multi-tasker. He held it up so I could see the titles. I moaned out, trying to concentrate on his varied music collection. “That one.”

“That one, really?” he asked dubiously.

“Yes, please,” I squealed breathlessly. The sounds of
Closer
by Nine Inch Nails came on. It’s wasn’t a romantic song. It was all about fucking, but it was exactly what I needed. Trent Reznor was a poet who wrote about the original sin in the lustiest ways.

“You surprise me, Marley,” Rick responded, kissing my neck.

“I’m not a John Mayer kind of girl, Rick.”

“That’s good, since I don’t have any John Mayer to play for you.”

“This is perfect,” I panted.

“No, Marley, perfect will be when I’m inside you.”

Rick pushed me forward until we were against the desk again. He bent me down on it, removing his fingers. I missed the penetration instantly. He lifted up my skirt and rubbed his hand over my behind. I felt the softness of his hand and the lace of my panties in the same motion. It made me wetter. He kept moving his hand in slow, lazy circles. I suddenly wondered if he was getting ready to spank me, as he’d implied earlier. I squeezed my eyes shut, readying for the impact.

He didn’t.

Instead, he did the most amazing thing. He ripped off my panties. Now, I’ve read enough chick-lit books and have watched copious amounts of cable soft porn, so I know such things exist. In my mind though, I’d always thought it would hurt. I mean, ripping off clothing sounds appealing in theory, but this area was so sensitive. It didn’t hurt—Rick tore off my panties in one swift motion, as if they were threaded with paper. He kept rubbing my now naked ass, tracing my slit with his erection. I spread my legs and instinctively bent farther down. I fastened my hands to the desk tighter, waiting for him to enter me. He suddenly stopped.

“Not like this. I want to watch you come.” His voice was so garbled that it was almost incoherent. I found it incredibly sexy that I had such an effect on his normally cool demeanour.

He took my shoulders, and stood me up before moving me to the couch and laying me down on it. I gazed up at his naked body, but barely got a glimpse before he was on top of me. He kissed my cheek, breathed into my ear and suckled my neck. He worked his way down to my shirt, removing the buttons slowly, and marking each revelation of my skin with soft kisses.

“Rick, please,” I gasped.

He paused, looking up at me with those piercing green eyes. “Please what, baby? Tell me what you want.”

“Please, more fucking me till I can’t walk.”

He chuckled. “A girl who doesn’t like foreplay?”

“Isn’t that what we’ve been doing all week?”

He smirked wickedly. “That’s right, Marley. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing all week, you smart girl.”

It occurred to me that I was right. We’d waited, and this moment was so much more intense because of that. We both wanted each other so badly that no matter what happened it would be a great relief.

Rick resumed kissing me but more feverishly, letting his tongue taste my skin. He became frustrated with the buttons on my shirt and ripped it open. The sound of the plastic fasteners raining down on the hardwood floor was strangely arousing. I was glad to be free of the material. I wanted it off as much as he did. Rick brushed his stubble against my chest. He released my breasts from each bra cup, suckling them in his mouth. The soft wetness of his tongue coupled with the hard graze of his teeth as they raked across each nipple caused me to squirm. I moaned out his name and ran my fingers through his silky hair.

It was almost too much pleasure—the softness of his lips on my skin, the heat of his tongue, the hardness of his naked body as it pressed against me. He lifted my skirt so it scrunched around my hips. He entered me in a smooth but hard, infiltrating motion. I had to clasp onto his neck tightly with the sudden penetration. He thrust into me, pounding hard. I both moaned and yelped in response to the propulsion.

Rick halted, peering down at me. “I’m hurting you.” It was a statement, not a question.

“It’s okay,” I said breathlessly, pulling his head towards me. I kissed him in encouragement, but he didn’t move.

“No, it’s not okay at all. I’m sorry, baby. I just want you so badly that I’m losing control.” His words, spoken in a low whisper, sounded anguished.

With that, he slowed his thrusts to a steadier pace, allowing me to get used to his length. He moved his mouth to mine and I opened in response. His slid his tongue across my teeth before finding my tongue. I moaned out at the fullness of him inside me. My booted legs encircled his hips and urged him forward in a gesture to let him know I was ready for more. Our bodies seemed to communicate better than our words. He moved faster, watching me intently, searching my face for any misgivings. I watched him too. I usually closed my eyes during sex, but it was impossible with him. He held me in a trance. The planes of his face constricted with carnal pleasure.

“You feel so good…too good,” he groaned, against my ear.

“Rick…”

The heat of his breath, his thrusts and the animalistic sounds of our combined moans made the other C-word…climax…more powerful than anything I’d ever experienced. I closed my eyes, enjoying the result of our passionate exchange, but I could tell he was still watching me. I could feel it then I could feel him as the wetness between my increased when he came inside me like a dam had broken. He rested on top of me, distributing his weight evenly as we panted into each other’s necks.

After a few minutes, he brushed his lips against my temple, continuing by trailing kisses down my jawline and nibbling on my earlobe. I was shocked to hear his next sentence, “Ready for round two?”

Round two?

“Take a shower with me, Marley. It’s the thing I’ve most wanted to do with you.”

“Yes.”

Rick replied with an animalistic grunt.
He pulled out of me slowly and stood up. Before I even knew what was happening, he’d lifted me in his arms as if I weighed nothing and was carrying me to the bathroom. He sat me on the counter, plying me with a sultry kiss before walking to the shower to start the water.

I found myself mesmerised by his flawless form. Rick was completely naked and I was mostly clothed—my shirt hung open, half button-less now, and my breasts were hanging out of my bra. It was not a seductive pose, but I didn’t attempt to correct it. I couldn’t take my eyes off Rick. I typically wouldn’t describe a man as beautiful, but that’s what Rick was. His frame was tall, muscular and hard…sculptural.