Untitled - For Now

Chapter 15

Monday morning Kate got up after only hitting the snooze three times. Dragging herself out of bed, she went to the bathroom to do her business and dress for her run. Donning her shoes, she grabbed her apartment key and headed out the door. Looking both ways once she ascended to the sidewalk, she took off in the direction of her favorite park. She went this way only when she wanted a longer run, which lately seemed to be more often. She usually gave herself two choices – a shorter, more punishing run, or the longer, flatter run. Today it was the longer run. She almost chose the more punishing run but decided length over difficulty.

She thought about Namjoon's words from the evening before. She thought about their "relationship", for lack of a better term. She thought about her job. Her crappy apartment. It was obvious he wasn't going to give up easily and yet she also needed to keep her job so she could save to get out of the horrible apartment she was currently in. She had to find a way to either give in without losing her job and therefore her apartment or somehow resist him. Which she clearly had a difficult time doing.

But maybe if they just kept everything on the down low, secretive, she could give him what he wanted – ok, what she wanted, too – and still keep her job. Maybe if they stayed professional at work and only showed their nonprofessional side after hours, behind closed doors, they could make it work. The thought sent a slight thrill through her as she rounded the corner back to her apartment. She had to discuss this with him and hope that he was able to abide by her conditions. If he could, she would be willing to give it a try.

By the time she returned to her apartment, she was physically tired, but also energized. Hopping into the shower, she quickly washed her hair and body. Dressing in her favorite office-approved black pencil skirt and blue short sleeved, square neck shirt that did wonders for her cleavage, she shoved her feet into black heels. They were high enough to be considered heels, but still low enough that she could comfortably walk in them without toppling over.

Looking at her watch, she grabbed her bag, purse and jacket and headed out the door. Once she walked through the doors of her office building she was beginning to get nervous about talking to Namjoon. Would he even go for it? Was she truly ok with this plan? Lylah would be proud of her and that thought made her smile. She'd have to talk with her later about it.

When she arrived at her desk, she dropped her bags and jacket on her chair and immediately set out for Namjoon's office, on the way saying hi to the employees who arrived a bit early like her. When she reached his office, the door was only half open and he was hunched over his desk, engrossed with something on his computer. Knocking on the door jam, she licked her lips, trying to calm her very nervous heart. Without looking up, Namjoon answered with a quick, "Come in."

Kate walked inside and immediately closed the door quietly behind her. This must have gotten his attention, as he looked up. He smiled and stood, walking around to the front of the desk.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you first thing?" He asked, meeting her half way, stopping in front of her, placing a sweet kiss on her check and rubbing his hands up and down her arms. "This is very unexpected, but welcome."

Kate cleared her throat before speaking. She was glad she hadn't eaten anything for breakfast because she was certain it would be coming back up right about now. Her heart began to pick up its pace. Her breathing became shallow. She forced a nervous smile before responding.

"I uh....I was thinking about something this weekend and wanted to run it by you." She replied, with a shy smile. What was wrong with her? Where did the confident woman go? The woman who he first met two years ago. Now, she was reduced to being some wimpy, shy, nervous girl. How he would ever go for something like this with her acting like this would be a miracle.

He raised an eyebrow and stepped back slightly, although not releasing her arms. "Did you now?" He looked at her face and she knew he could tell she was nervous. "Do tell. Is this of a business nature, or more personal?" He had to ask her that, didn't he? She could almost feel the teasing tone in his voice. Or was it? His eyes darkened which was in sharp contrast to the lightness of his voice. But make no mistake, he was intrigued.

"Uh..." Kate cleared her throat again. Seriously.... "Personal." She said. He smiled and backed up until his backside touched his desk and pulled her with him, wrapping his arms around her waist. Her hands went to his chest and gently pushed so she was out of his reach. "Please, if I'm going to do this, I need some space." He raised his hands as if to say, as you wish, and motioned for her to continue before crossing his arms. Why did he always do that?! He had to know how incredible he looked when he did that. He had to know. His pecs and biceps popping through the white buttoned-down shirt were such a turn on.

"Well, I've given this a lot of thought and if you agree to everything, this could work." She watched him for any kind of response, but he had none. He simply stared. She began to pace as she spoke, grateful to put a bit more space between them. "There is clearly some kind of...connection....between us. Some attraction and unless I'm mistaken, you feel it too, correct?" She paused in her pacing to look at him for any kind of reassurance that she wasn't imagining things. His slight nod was enough. That and the little smirk he gave. She licked her lips and began pacing again.

"Well, what I propose is that at the office we remain absolutely professional. No lunch time quickies, no private meetings behind closed doors. Strictly and one hundred percent professional. I do not want to be the subject of office gossip and I'm sure you don't either, especially since you're new here. We have to be above board and focused on the job at hand." She stopped pacing again and placed a hand on her hip while she bit her lower lip. She looked into his eyes before continuing. "If you can agree to that, I think we could see where this....whatever this is....goes. But it has to be outside of the office. After office hours. Private. No one could know." She looked hesitantly at him to see if he was following her line of thought. Would he agree? Would he think she was nuts?

He stood up to his full height and uncrossed his arms before walking over to her. He smiled before brushing a stray piece of hair from her face with one hand, while the other found her hip. "That's your proposition?" She nodded once in affirmation before he smirked and lowered his lips to her ear. "It's a deal," he whispered before licking just below her ear and pulling her closer so she was flush against him. She could feel his hardness press against her stomach. She inhaled sharply.

"But I have to make one amendment to this little agreement we have," he said, kissing up to her jawline. Her hands instinctively went to his chest and grabbed at his jacket.

"What's that?" she said, almost in a whisper. He smiled against her neck. He loved that she was so responsive.

"I don't mind being professional at the office. I don't mind having you all to myself after hours. But if the urge strikes at the office and I need a 'meeting' with you, I expect you to be available." The feel of his lips on her neck, behind her ear, near her collarbone was so intense, she almost ignored what he said. She would have agreed to almost anything if he just left his mouth there. She shook her head and gently pushed herself away from him.

"Nothing unprofessional at the office. I can't risk it, Namjoon, and neither can you for that matter." Kate looked in his eyes, praying he would understand. She was doing this for the both of them. It was as if they silently bickered over conditions the way they both looked at each other. Several moments passed without a word, and then he smiled.

"Fine. If this is the only way I can have you, then I'll take it." He leaned over to give her a kiss, but her finger on his lips and her raised eyebrow stopped him. He sighed, loudly, before stepping back. "This is going to be difficult for me, you know. Having you so close. I mean, what am I supposed to do with this now?" He asked, gesturing to his obvious erection poking through his trousers. Kate laughed before stepping away.

"Think of the board meeting you have later," she said as she stepped around him towards the door.

"Yup, that definitely helps," he said as he went back behind his desk, pouting like a child. Kate laughed before opening the door and heading towards her desk. He looked at the doorway and sighed. You can have your way for now, Kate, he thought as a smile reached his lips. But make no mistake, I'll have you wherever and whenever I want. Including my office.