Elise read the crumpled note sat in her ten year old Toyota corolla. Her job had been going so well she had intended to upgrade to a newer car next month, but now... what was she to do? The note was an apology. She had found it on the bed, along with a bunch of Gerber daisies when she had finally ventured out of the shower. It had explained that he had meant no harm and that he hoped they could still be friends and work together. It was very sweet, written in Joel’s expressive script and said that they should have dinner, next week so they could discuss what would happen.
Elise screwed the note into a ball, her anger still a hot coal in her belly that made it easier for her to come into work this morning. She had only one purpose here, to hand in her notice and leave as soon as she could. With her head held high she got out of the car and crossed the car park. The wind picked up, it’s blustery strength tugging at her jacket and momentarily pushing her backwards. She squared her shoulders it would not stop her, this was the right decision. She entered the building her heels clacking on the polished linoleum floor as she marched to Human Resources. A brief pause at the stark, grey door and she was there. She pushed through; a smile plastered on her face and saw Joel sat on Mandy’s desk. His legs crossed, he leaned over her a conspirators grin on his face.
He rubbed his ear, when seeing her and she could swear that he colored. “Elise, you look wonderful this morning, maybe we can talk in my office?” he asked.
“I’m sorry Mr. Sakharov I’m in rather a hurry.” Elise managed to say the words without stuttering and she turned her eyes from him to Mandy who was squirming in her chair. “Hi Mandy. I need to hand in my notice. I have been offered a better position and would like to leave as soon as possible.”
Mandy’s eyes flicked nervously from Elise to Joel, but Elise managed to keep her back straight and her eyes locked on Mandy’s, she would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her nerves, and had to clasp her hands together to prevent them from shaking.
Joel felt a sense of loss, when Elise mentioned the other job. That was why she had consented to sleep with him. After all her insistence of never mixing business with pleasure he had been over the moon when she had finally agreed to meet. He fought back his regret that he had made it a sexual encounter rather than the dinner and movie he had originally planned. Damn, when she had shown up in that figure hugging red dress he had almost come there and then in the bar. She was so hot, so what had she expected? Of course he knew, she was not his normal sort of girl, she had expected him to be decent and he had failed. If he had not been so aroused with the months of wanting her and the frustrating months of refusal it may have been different. He was so used to getting his own way that he had become obsessed with her, and the loss and disgust he had felt since then was merely because he had finally overcome the challenge, nothing more. He cleared his throat. “Congratulations Elise they will be very lucky to have you.” He smiled, hoping it was genuine. “Please pop in before you go, there are a few things I would like to discuss.” He then pulled his eyes away from the chocolaty goodness of hers and turned towards Mandy. “I believe Miss Parson has a couple of week’s holiday owed. I’m happy if she takes that in lieu and may leave immediately.” Holiday he had planned to ask her to spend with him. Since that night and more the look on her face the following morning he had not been able to stop thinking about her, and knew if they went away together... what? That he would get her out of his system and he could let her down gently.
“Thank you,” Elise said, cutting into his thoughts.
He found himself lost for words, hoping that she would talk to him but she simply smiled and left the office, nodding as she passed.
I hop you are enjoying it so far, please leave me a comment. I will post a part every Friday - sorry missed last on sick in bed, but if you can't wait you can read the hoter version on Amazon for just 0.99 cents http://bit.ly/1nmWeii
Till Friday enjoy
Natasha
