Office Desires

3. Lunch

Lou found herself nervously adjusting her tie before heading to the restaurant where she was to meet Debbie Ocean for lunch. The weight of anticipation hung heavily in her chest, and despite her best efforts to remain composed, her heart was racing with excitement and apprehension.

She had accepted the invitation to this unexpected rendezvous, and now, as she waited at a corner table, she couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead.

Debbie Ocean arrived at the restaurant with an air of elegance and confidence that was impossible to ignore. She wore a perfectly tailored suit that accentuated her commanding presence. Her dark hair framed her face in soft waves, and her brown eyes held a magnetic quality that drew Lou in like a moth to a flame.

As Debbie approached, her lips curled into a subtle smile.

"Ms. Miller," she greeted Lou, her voice as smooth as silk, "I'm delighted you could join me."

Lou managed a nervous smile in return, her pulse quickening as she rose to her feet. "Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Ocean."

They settled into their seats, and the atmosphere between them crackled with an unspoken tension again. Lou couldn't help but feel a magnetic pull toward Debbie, a pull that was both alluring and perplexing.

Debbie, on the other hand, remained the picture of composure. Her cool, guarded demeanor gave her an air of mystery and control, as if she were orchestrating the tempo of their interaction with calculated precision.

Their eyes met, and Lou found herself locked in a deep, penetrating gaze that left her momentarily breathless. She couldn't quite decipher the unspoken message in Debbie's eyes, whether she was expected to say something or simply return the intense stare.

In that charged moment, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in a wordless exchange that crackled with an undeniable tension. Lou wondered if Debbie could feel the same magnetic pull, the palpable desire that simmered beneath the surface, or if it was all a carefully constructed façade.

Finally, Debbie leaned back slightly, "So, Ms. Miller," she began, her voice a low, hypnotic murmur, "Tell me... What drew you to the world of editing? What is it about words and storytelling that captivates you?"

Lou shifted in her seat, acutely aware of the intense scrutiny she was under. "Well," she began, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness, "I've always believed that words have the power to shape worlds and evoke emotions. Editing allows me to be a part of that process, to help authors craft their stories and connect with readers on a profound level."

Debbie's lips curved into a knowing smile, and her fingers traced a delicate pattern on her wineglass. "It sounds like you have a deep passion for your work. Tell me, have you ever found yourself drawn to the authors you work with, not just on a professional level, but on a personal one?"

Lou's heart skipped a beat.

What the fuck was this question ?

She hesitated for a moment before answering,. "I think there's always a level of connection between editors and authors, a shared vision for the story. But I believe in maintaining professionalism in all my interactions."

Debbie's gaze remained fixed on Lou, her brown eyes darkening with an intensity that was impossible to ignore. "Professionalism is essential, of course. But there's something undeniably intimate about the editing process, wouldn't you agree? The way you delve into the author's thoughts and intentions, the way you become a part of their creative journey."

Lou swallowed hard, acutely aware of the sensuality that hung in the air.

Was Debbie trying to say something with those questions ?