To You and Back

Chapter 5: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

That first clash was all it took to open the floodgates of many more encounters. Not just the office, but the entire floor, and soon the whole building became their playground. Meaningful glances in a meeting led to heavy breathing behind the door of a bathroom stall; secret touches under the table at a luncheon in the executive dining room, ended with bodies pressed together at the kitchen exit, steamier than that day's soup. Alone in an elevator meant wrists pinned to the wall; alone in the office saw the heavy wooden desk cleared with a sweep of an arm, and two ties and suit jackets hung on the backs of chairs, side by side.

Their roles seemed clear, at work and at play, but nothing is ever clear for long. Something must always churn the water.

It was late, and Charlie sat in the chair in front of Peter's desk, legs crossed at the knees, a leather portfolio of relevant data open in his lap as Peter took a call from a client about to jump ship. It was an experience watching the other man work, using all his charm and ingenuity to win the client back into the company's pocket. But that wasn't a surprise for Charlie; he had witnessed Peter's silver tongue first-hand—so to speak.

Peter himself leisurely circled the office, on speakerphone, his heels clicking on the hardwood floors that today gave off the scent of pine and lavender. Outside the windows, the glass buildings glowed with squares of light from other late workers. Though he was absolutely focused on his task at hand, he couldn't help his gaze drifting to the golden hair of the seated man, shinning lustrously even in the muted recessed lighting. More than once, when his route took him near, his hand would reach out to brush the soft strands, but every time Peter held himself back.

"Sì signore, addio," Peter said, circling back to his desk. Sitting down, he nodded for Charlie to end the call. Getting out of his chair, Charlie walked around the desk to reach the phone. "I have Giovani," Peter said. "That little rabbit isn't hopping off anytime soon."

"Still, you should fly out to see him and confirm that by giving him some face time," Charlie said.

"I have no objections; I could use a weekend in Verona."

"I'll book the flight." Charlie turned to walk away when a hand grasped his wrist, stopping him, then slide up his arm caressingly. Turning his head, he looked down into twinkling eyes.

"Care to come with?" Peter asked.

Charlie held his gaze for a moment. "Tempting," he said, "but no." Pulling his hand free, he moved back around the desk.

Peter stood and followed. "No? It would be expensed, on company time."

"Something tells me that's not the first time you've made this offer to your assistant," Charlie said over his shoulder, heading for the office door. "Thank you, but no."

Peter followed him into the outer office. "Why?"

Charlie gave a breathy chuckle as he went behind his desk. "You can't be serious."

"I'm always serious," Peter said, standing with his hands in his pockets. The other man hesitated to answer, uncharacteristic for him, which peaked Peter's curiosity. "Are you thinking of the optics?" he asked. "I assure you, no one would think anything was going on between us."

"It's not that," Charlie said. Organizing his desk, his head was down, expression hidden.

"Then what? Charlie, what could possibly be—"

The slamming of the portfolio on the desk stopped him. "Do you really not get it, Peter?" Charlie said. "You know exactly how I feel, and you don't mind taking advantage of—no," Charlie held up a hand, "no, not taking advantage, because I'm the one who's letting it happen. But I need to keep this thing between us strictly at work. I know it never crossed your mind, but think about it for minute, about what a weekend in romantic Verona alone with you would do to me."