Free The Other C-Word by MK Schiller

widen.
    “No, Marley, you manage to do that on your own.”
    I swallowed, but my throat was completely dry. I leaned against the cabinet. I hoped he would think it was for comfort, but in that moment, it was for complete support.
    “I’ll have to remember that.”
    “Remember what?” I tried to sound offended, but it came out breathless instead.
    “To download more Santana, of course. I really enjoyed the show.”
    I wanted to reply with some witty comeback, but before my brain could function, he walked back to his office.
    I allowed myself ten minutes to calm down, thinking I would need to buy new batteries for my vibrator since it was going to get plenty of use. I walked into his office when I was done filing to let him know I was leaving. I didn’t want to, but it was something I would have done with Mr Bellman. I wouldn’t give Rick the satisfaction of knowing how he was affecting me, although at this point, it was probably obvious.
    He has a girlfriend. He’s your boss. He’s not suitable for a one-night stand. You don’t do relationships. He has a girlfriend … I repeated the phrases like a mantra as I approached him.
    “I just wanted to let you know I’m leaving.” I tried to keep my tone even. He glanced towards the clock then back at me. I wondered if he was trying to keep track of my hours. “The filing is all done.”
    He surprised me when he said, “Thank you, I’ll walk you out.”
    “Are you leaving?”
    “No, I have some more work to do, but I want to see you to your car.” He grabbed his jacket as he walked towards the door.
    I held out my hands, shaking my head. “Really, that’s okay. I’m perfectly capable of walking to my car alone.”
    He paused, but only for a moment. “I know that, but it’s late, and the parking lot’s empty.” He gestured to the picture window behind him.
    “Seriously, the chivalry thing is nice, but totally unnecessary,” I said laughing, but it sounded a little too hysterical. I couldn’t imagine being alone with him in the elevator for sixteen flights.
    His chiselled features became completely sombre. “Marley, I’m not joking. Every day that you work late, I’m going to make sure you get to your car. It’s non-negotiable for me. If you won’t allow me to, I can’t have you stay late.” He spoke slowly with concentrated intent. It was no use arguing—he was determined.
    “Fine,” I conceded. We walked in silence towards the elevator. I didn’t want to admit it, but it was actually quite nice of him to escort me. I had stayed once before, much later than this, for Mr Bellman, and he hadn’t so much as acknowledged it.
    We both went to opposite ends of the elevator car, as if being too close was dangerous. He has a girlfriend. He’s your boss. Look at that silky hair. Crap no! He’s not about casual consensual. Look at those hard abs…wonder what else is hard? Fuck! Rick was my Kryptonite. I breathed a sigh of relief when the elevator doors opened, finally releasing us from our confinement.
    He walked me to my car in silence then opened the door for me. He thanked me for my hard work and told me to drive safe before heading back into the building. It was the sweetest gesture. Part of me wanted to express that to him, but most of me just wanted to hit the accelerator and rush home to my vibrator.

Chapter Four

    Rick definitely scored many touchdowns over the weekend, at least in my mind. We’d fallen into a more comfortable pattern. The next few weeks were a little easier.He would still make the occasional double entendre and I would ignore it, but for the most part, we did work well together. I had more responsibilities in my new position as his assistant, and I enjoyed that. He asked for my advice on his ideas quite a bit and I was pleased when he actually took it, but I was completely flattered when he gave me the credit I was due. I went to meetings with him and Henley. Kathy was there too. It was almost comical. I would bring up an