Everything is Better Now

Chapter 17

Being back at work after such an eventful few days was odd. I could still feel their hands on me. Their words echoed in my head on repeat. 'You did so good.'

Joanna must have known that I was stuck in that moment. She'd caught me in the staff breakroom swirling a spoon in my mug of tea that i'd just made.

"Carter," She called softly. I turned towards her shocked to hear her voice in a room she's rarely in. No one else was in the room, maybe that's why she decided to enter.

"Hi," I replied turning around.

"Hello love," She approached me smiling slyly. Her hand sliding onto my waist. It's a simple touch but it throws gas on an already blazing flame.

"H-hi"

"How has your day been?" She reaches her other hand to me and my breath hitches. She shows a slight smirk but continues her hand past me. Her hand reappears with my freshly made tea in my mug. She slowly raises a single eyebrow practically daring me to say something.

She takes a delicate sip, maintaining eye contact before she sets the cup down behind me. She's closer than she was before her refreshing sip. I'm practically looking up at her, her choice in heels today causing a mouth-watering height difference.

"It's been good so far I think."

"You think? Work on your communication dear." It's too hard to think with her standing so close to me.

"I-its been good. But I am kind of tired." I replied.

"I am sure you are. Laura has been taking good care of you." I smile because she has.

"I miss you though." We hadn't been as intimate as we had the days before Laura. At this point, I just want her hands on me.

"Your time with Laura has not been satisfactory?"

"It has, it's just," I huff. " I miss you. I want you."

"The best of both worlds?" She asks. I'm not sure how to respond. She'd practically pushed me towards Laura. "Do not tilt your head at me dear. My words hold no ill will."

I don't know if I should believe her or not.

"If you say so."

"I do." She brings a hand to rest at the base of my neck. There is no pressure but her point is made. Don't question the queen.

"Y-yes, ma'am"

"Hmm." She gives me a once over, her hand not moving from its position. "Perhaps I have not given you the attention you need. It seems Laura's lenient approach is becoming an issue."

Her hand leaves my neck, the skin feeling cool without it. "Meet me by my car after work today. I will give you my full attention tonight. Yes?" She insists.

—

The rest of the day I am on edge about our evening. Wondering what she has planned occupies my mind far more than the article I'm currently translating. Lunch passes then hours off the clock. Next thing I know she's walking towards me as I lean on the passenger door to her car.

"Are you ready, love?" She asks as she walks around the corner.

"Yes," I replied.

"No ma'am this time?" I open her door allowing her into the passenger side. I only smile before walking around to the driver's side. "No answer?"

"I wasn't sure what to say," I reply. She hands me the keys.

"How about, 'sorry ma'am, I'll never do it again. Please forgive me.' How about that?" Her eyes are more beautiful than usual. I can't put my finger on why though.