Scorched Footprints (closed)

[nomadsoul_9]

OOC: This one is for Sweetp and myself. Please enjoy and send comments via PM.


Character:
Marcus P. Jones
28 year old
6'4", 220 lbs.
Azure eyes
Brown hair (highlights)
Athletic build
Vice President of Publishing Company

IC:

"Thank you very much Mrs. Collins," Marcus said standing up from his Italian black leather office chair, "we will get in touch with you within the week." Mrs. Collins was applying for a position as a secretary. She had horded experience in this field over the course of 20 years in the business. Married, 44-years-old and an annoying hacking cough that she would belt out every 2 minutes... he wasn't going to call her back.

Picking up a clipboard near the corner of his desk, he walk the hefty applicant out the door. Just one more interview to go and then lunch, he thought to himself. He was two whole days into his job and needed a secretary badly. A well dressed business man, fashionable bachelor, he stood with confidence and authority but retained a kind, smiling face. He had a new suit on today... a black coat, black slacks and a blue shirt joined by a yellow tie. A true heart-breaking playboy, and he knew it.

Brandishing the clipboard in his left and ringless hand, adjusting his mustard-yellow tie with his right, he walked around the corner of his office, passing the vacant desk of a secretary-to-be. He called off a name from the clipboards contents, "Chloe Smith," he looked around and made eye contact, "I'm ready to see you now." She silently stood and followed him to his office. Being a gentleman, he allowed her to enter his practically decorated office before himself.

Offering her a seat infront of his desk, he proceded to the comfy leather throne of his domain. To his left a standard office phone with wireless head set and a twelve inch replica of the David statue. On the wall, futher to his left a large flat screen TV which we tracked his stocks and the news on. To his right, a state-of-the-art, 2 screen computer set up, the best money could buy. With a sly grin, he took a few seconds to soak it all in and continued with his interview.

"Let's see what we have here." he said. Glacing through the application Chloe submitted something stood out in her application and hit him with the force of a nuke. Wedged between her address and college he read "High School: Freeland Grove High". It was the very same school that he attended just a decade ago. Looking up at her face, he remembered it all too clearly...

*THUMP THUMP* *THUMP THUMP* Slowly he walked down the halls of the high school, the walls a gaunlet of red, yellow and blue lockers. His heart was beating so hard, he for a moment thought that he was going to die or it would shoot right out of his thin, lanky frame. One by one, his awkward steps brought him closer and closer to her. He wasn't afraid. He'd played his scene out in his head countless times. Ok... just like I planned. Just tell her that you want to go to the prom with her and give her the flower. It'll be as easy as that. You can do it Marcus! He went over this mantra over and over, step by step. Step by step to Chloe Smith, the social butterfly of the campus and Home Coming Queen. They shared a few classes together and he even let her cheat off him during some tests. As reputation had it, she was around her friends.

"Hiya Chloe. It's Marcus." he shyly said as she turned to face him, slightly repulsed. "Would you like to go to the senior prom with me?" he asked her even more shyly, his heart almost shooting from his ribs, palms sweaty, even spitting a little when he said 'prom'.

"Back the fuck off Dorkus!" said Reed Brewings, the star of the school basketball team. Everyone chuckled a little when Reed said 'Dorkus'... everyone but Marcus. "What the hell makes you think that she wants to go with you?" he said as Chloe dreamingly gazed at Reed. Without a moment to gather his thoughts, much less his tattered emotions and thrashed heart, Reed shot his hand out in one deft motion and slapped Marcus in the back of the head, knocking his thick coke-bottle glasses off his face. Amidst the laughing and pointing, the incessant chanting "Dorkus! Dorkus! Dorkus!", he lost himself in tears. As if in slow motion, he saw his perfectly shaped crystaline tears and glasses shatter and break from thier true forms as they hit the ground. The world around him was shaking, crumbled and set ablaze all in one swift motion.

Feeling the sun beating the back of his neck, Marcus was shaken from this flashback with a poker face, as if the tragic event never happened. He cracked a welcoming, professional smile at Chloe, whom was also taking in the office with a sense of awe, wide eyed and beaming with a smile.

"So Ms. Smith," his grin grew slightly in size, "what do you think you can offer this company?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Chloe

ooc:

Chloe Smith (Brewings)
28 y/o
5'7" 135
Brown hair, clear blue eyes
Recently divorced housewife

IC:

She was a nervous wreck and so ashamed of her circumstances she had to go back to using her maiden name just to hold her head up. She could've killed Reed for his discardment of her, but what good would it have done her? All she had now was her pride, her wardrobe and the penthouse.. Which she had to finishing paying off over the course of five more years.

And that was what brought her to this degrading position. She signed the prenup without reading it, a blind fool at eighteen, devoted ten years of her life to that man and when he was ready to make it big in his daddy's company.. he dumped her for his secretary!

She'd given up her dreams of college to see Reed got his first, big mistake, very big mistake. She felt nervous, applying for a job she hadn't done in ten long years in a big company. What was she thinking?!

"Chloe Smith?" Until she heard her name, she hadn't been watching as the other two applicants came and went, and now when faced with the looming man she would have to work for, she felt her heart leap in her chest.

Silently she got up and followed him to his office, where upon he waited for her to enter. It brought a painful squeeze to her heart, remembering a time when Reed would do the same for her. She sat down, nervously perched on her chair, so much so she was petrified in place.

She couldn't help but stare in awe at his office, tastefully decorated she did know a few things about the art work and their prices. This man obviously was well off as well as good looking. Was it wise for her to take this job?

Self doubt never came into the picture until the nasty discovery of Reed and his whore in his office, and then the divorce that was filed quietly afterwards. She was shuffled off as if she were no more than a passing fancy, not his wife.. his faithful loving wife! for ten long years..

She shouldn't even be looking at another man with interest! Not after all she went through.

"So Ms. Smith. What do you think you can offer this company?" His smile was charming, his eyes however didn't bring much truth to what his mouth was saying.

Is there something wrong with my application? Nervously she chewed her lip a moment before she daintily cleared her throat.

"Mister..." her eyes darted to his ledger head, "Jones.." She flashed a smile, her dimples appearing briefly. "I haven't worked in.. a few years." She felt ready to bolt but this was her last option! She'd been searching for a job for a week now, and this was honestly the last listing in the damned paper.. She had to convince him some how.

"But I am a quick study. I was a secretary for my Highschool as listed below. I am divorced with no commitments so I know I can work late if the need arises.." She was feeling the heat climb in the room, her pride be damned now. She'd almost beg if it came down to it. "I am familiar with the new computer programs, all my skills are listed below...?" She was hoping for a miracle now. What could she possibly have that the previous 'matron' didn't? Other than no experience.. Her suit was nice however, a pricey wardrobe she'd rather have the cash for now than the suit..

"I am certain I can learn everything you need me to within a week's time. I am not afraid of hard work.." She felt a flush climb up her neck and had to study her hands instead of his eyes which seemed to be boring into her mind, trying to pick out the truth.

I won't beg..... damn you Reed. Her spine stiffened a little as she met his gaze once more. She couldn't cower for ever, she had to show this man she was made of sterner stuff than a coward.

 

[nomadsoul_9]

Marcus

"Well, although you seem to be," Marcus cleared his throat "lacking in educational diversity and are a bit cold to the work force," he paused, watching her pupils shrink and shine with tears. He collected his thoughts, picking a silver pen up with from his desk, hitting his keys to his town house, car and motorcycle, and began tapping the pen against his puckered lips. He continued, putting his pen tapping to rest, "You have this X factor that the two other applicants didn't have. You have a desire to work, a sense of urgancy if you will."

He noted mentally that Ms. Smith hadn't coughed once. Point Ms. Smith. He didn't even remember the first applicants name, though he knew she was the most qualified. Ms. Smith, now ahead by 2. "Do you know what I do here Ms. Smith?"

Removing the pooling water from her eye she shook her head, spirits seeming low.

"Well," he paused again remembering how badly he needed a secretary. He forgot to order the name plates for his door in the Law department of the Publishing Company. How needy he was.

"Well," he picked up again, "I handle the law portion of the Baunder & Fink Publishing. I handle the contracts of our clients and also provide a uh... umm... " he rolled his hands, fishing for the right word, "concierge-like service to our most valued clients. I mean, without them, we'd have no purpose of being here, am I right?". He handed her a tissue.

Eagerly she nodded her head and accepted the tissue and blotted her eyes. As she finished this, his azure eyes locked into hers, showing no emotion or indication of his recollection. With a slight smile,

"And as such a person in charge of this law and service section, you can imagine, I need to keep appointments, deal with a lot of paper work, phone calls and the like. If I were to give you this job, you would have access to some highly sensitive and privied information about clients and projects.

"These documents of said information are under deadlines that almost mean life and death. Sensitive contract information has a short shelf life. And as my secretary, if you were to work with said documents along side me and handle our clients, you would be asked to do things that may seem obscure.", he took a long pause to stare her down, unable to detect signs of weakness from his slightly boring "brimstone and fire" bit.

He sat up in his chair, reached into a filing chest under the right side of his desk, fiddled through a few files and produced a document of a few pages. He set the document before her and handed her the kissed pen and said, "If you sign this contract, you not only get the job, but you sign yourself to the company. You will report to me and only me. You will be mine for all intents and purposes, a second me in terms.

"And you will also be my personal assistant as stated in the contract. As I am a concierge to our clients, you will be so to me."

She stared blankly at the contract. She knew she needed the job. She put pen to paper and before she finished her signature he interjected, "Oh, and the pay and benefits will be great."

Contract in hand, it was Ms. Smith with the slam dunk at the buzzer.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Chloe

Nine Months Later

"Yes, Miss Chambers. No, Miss Chambers... I understand that. No you can't speak with him he is .. in a meeting right now. Yes Miss Chambers, I got three messages already for him when he returns." She blocked out the hysterical screeching voice on the other end of the phone and promptly hung up.

"What number is that?" Betty had been standing, waiting for her to get off the phone to hand over a new contract that Betty had typed.

"I lost count Betty." Wearily she sighed, scratching out a hasty note to remind her self to pick up Marcus's laundry on her lunch break. A soft chuckle over head reminded her that Betty was still standing there.

"What's this?" Her eyes stayed focused on the folder, not wishing to encourage any more gossip from Betty.

"A contract.. Really, what number is that this year? The ladies have a poll going down in the break room.." Betty's grin would've been contagious if not for the fact Chloe had been up ‘til two a.m. working on a 'to do' list for today.

"Seven I think.. maybe this is the eighth?" Sharpening her pencil, her hand was still held aloft for the file that Betty held clutched to her breast.

"Seven?" A moments pause then, "I thought it was only six.."

"Betty, dear.. I'd love to chit chat but Mr. Jones is due in any second, the new ex-fiancé is breathing down my neck, I have to get his coffee before he arrives and I have yet to even turn on my computer.." Chloe was tired, she was tired of typing up "dear Jane" letters to Marcus's ex's, tired of working long hours and phone calls before five in the damned morning! But she took it in stride, kept her nose clean and her eyes off of Marcus's butt whenever he was around.. Not to mention having to deal with all his girlfriends..

"Well ... I'm sorry. You look tired Chloe. Why not take your vacation?" Betty was a sweetheart and now she felt miserable for biting the poor woman's head off.

"Alright a little tid-bit... Tiffany's is short a diamond bracelet this morning."

"Diamonds?!" A gasp of love from Betty

"Yeah. He's getting better with his 'kiss-off' gifts.." Hearing the elevator's chime, she stood and took the file, "Thanks Betty." And off she went. Walking as quickly as possible, she made her way to the tiny little alcove station where she kept Marcus's coffee waiting.

Humming silently to herself, she poured his coffee exactly a quarter inch from the rim, slid open a little stainless steel door and popped a single ice cube into his coffee. Then mixed the creamer (fresh!) and two sugars. Taking out a thermometer from her pocket, she checked the temperature, a satisfied nod, rinsed off the thermometer, slid it back into her jacket pocket and picked up the cup.

Moving back down the hall, she stopped long enough to pick up the Wall Street Journal and the Times. Tucking both under her arm, she stopped by her desk, grabbed the file, Marcus's messages and quickly and quietly moved into Marcus's office just as he sat down.

"Good morning, Sir." She didn't expect a reply since one was rarely heard. She set down the papers, pulled out a coaster from the stand, set it upon his desk and then the coffee onto the coaster. Picking up the two papers, she folded them neatly to his left hand and set the file around on his right. Pulling out his messages from her pocket she sat on the edge of the chair and quickly read.

"Carson Mills would like to have lunch sometime this week. I checked your calendar and you have a lunch date open on Thursday, since I knew that this was important I went ahead and set up the lunch date and made note of it in your palm pilot." She set it on the desk.

"Miss Chambers called, she wishes to speak with you over dinner, or lunch. She'll even cook you dinner... Isn't this the one who didn't even own a toaster oven?" She paused a moment and then continued, "Either case I made your excuses as usual." She put that one down neatly on top of the other.

"Your father called, he would like you to come to a family dinner on Saturday. The night is open if you wish to go, your father reminded you to bring someone to appease your mother." She set the note down and stood. "That is the newest Layton contract, signed and waiting for your approval." Without another words she left his office, the morning routine finished and sat down to finally turn on her own PC.

Tomorrow was her birthday.. The thought nagged at the back of her mind, but she knew it was best not to ask for the night off or he'd need her. If she didn't mention is, perhaps she'd get lucky? Not likely, but she would rather be working than sitting at home alone on her birthday.

"Miss Smith?" She glanced up to see a delivery guy standing before her desk with a package.

"Yes?"

"Delivery for a Marcus.. Jones?"

"I'll take it." She signed the little screen and looked over the receipt. Another gift for Miss Chambers? Disgusted with this whole affair, she set it on the edge of her desk. She'd worry about giving it to him later.. Unless of course Miss Chambers arrived between now and lunch. That wasn't uncommon.. Since starting here Chloe has had flowers thrown in her face, jewelry hurtled at her head and insulted so many times she'd lost count..

"Comes with the job.." Personal assistant should've come with a clean up after Marcus label!

Just as her fingertip was ready to turn on her computer the buzzer sounded at her left. Moving quickly, she stood back up, eyed her computer screen with a little unhappiness and grabbed the newly arrived package. She moved quickly and quietly again back into Marcus's office. "You need me, Sir?"

 

[nomadsoul_9]

Marcus

Rubbing his forehead, Marcus said, "Hey, uh, Ms. Smith. Did you say that I had something today at lunch?"

"No sir, you're free for lunch today and tomorrow. Thursday was your lunch with Mr. Wills.", replyed Chloe.

"Got it. Thanks. Is that Italian place still open? You know, the one we had the Polerton meeting at?"

"Yes sir, I do believe that they are still open. Just a block or two away from here if I'm not mistaken. Shall I make a reservation for you Mr. Jones?", she said, brushing a bit of her hair to one side.

"No. That's alri... actually, yeah. Make it for two please. You and me. We need to go over the Layton contract.", Marcus said, standing up and buttoning his coat. "You like Italian, right?"

Chloe noded, box still in hand.

"So, what's in your box?", he asked, clicking the TV on, watching his stock ticker.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Chloe

"T-two, Sir?" She stammered a little confused. "For us?" She fumbled and almost lost the box in her hands.

"For the Layton contract.. Right. I will get on that right away." She felt a little flushed, they'd never had lunch together that wasn't scheduled at least a week in advance!

"So, what's in your box?"

His question really threw her off beat, doing a whole double take she watched as he stood from his chair and adjusted his jacket over broad shoulders.

"No.." She almost said no one and realized how utterly bad that would be to say aloud! "Nothing. This is.." She thrust the box out to him and when he didn't take it, let it rest on the desk, "yours."

He eyed the box but did not move to pick it up. Her eyes fell on his hands, watching as he smoothed the collar of his jacket against his neck. Feeling her face flush she quickly took a few steps backwards, "I will just go get my coat and meet you there." A quick smile and she was out the office door, staring at a black monitor.

Why did I behave like that?! God! He must think I am fuckin' losing my mind! And she felt like she was for a moment. She hadn't acted that distressed since the interview.

Maybe it was just the change of plans so sudden that threw her? She gathered up her coat and purse as she headed into the lobby. Pressing the elevator button, she glanced up to see Marcus's face reflecting back from the silver doors. She tried not to stare but could not held focusing her attention on his mouth, wondering just for a fleeting moment, how they would feel against her own?

"R-ready?"

 

[nomadsoul_9]

Marcus

It was a quick walk to the little Itlaian restaurant... quick but oddly silent for a business lunch. They arrived just before the lunch crowds orgainized.

Chloe went to the hostess and asked if the table was ready, which it was. Taking off his sunglasses, he made eye contact with the hostess giving her a quick once over, a smile and a wink. The gestures were returned, minus the wink. Chloe was watching and Marcus knew it.

Being seated, the hostess offered to put the napkin in Marcus's lap, of which he welcomed whole heartedly. As the hostess scampered away, giddy and ready to gossip, Marcus and Chloe perused the menu and waited for their orders to be taken. As a few moments passed, they talked about the contract. Just as they got into scheduling appointments a waiter came by, pad of paper and pen in hand.

"I'll take the Pasta Salad and an Iced Tea", Marcus said. As he handed the menu to the waiter, he shifted his legs in the wrap around booth he was seated at, brushing Chloe's leg just a bit.

"Company's treatin' today.", he whispered to Chloe seated right next to him.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Chloe

"Mineral water and chef salad please." She handed the menu and promptly scooted over slightly to the left and most importantly away from Marcus's leg.

"The contract is simple enough, I don't understand why we needed a lunch meeting over it? All the legal has been taken care of, all loop holes closed tight.." She watched as the hostess came back by only moments after being seated to give Marcus a 'fresh' glass of ice water.

Her brow shot up as she eyed the woman with a cool hard stare. Feeling the obvious dislike coming from Chloe the hostess quickly fled the table.

"Are you finished with flirting, Marcus? I do believe this is a meeting after all?" She turned her ice blue eyes on him, and if looks could kill...

God damned play boy! Doesn't he always behave?!

"Chloe?" She glanced up to see the blonde bomb-shell Reed recently married.

"Brigette."

"I thought it was you." The piranha then turned her cosmeticly enhanced eyes on Marcus. "And you are?" She smiled sweetly, offering her hand to Marcus who about made an ass out of himself to kiss the same hand.... She wouldn't have commented if not for the fact she hated Brigette with a passionate fury.

"Yes, well I am working here. I am sure you understand." She flashed a forced unwelcoming smile at Brigette, "Do give my best to my exhusband.."

"So.. fiesty!" Brigette blew Chloe a kiss and strutted off to who knows where while Chloe did her best not to chase down the woman and knock her on her enhanced ass! Close to tears, she busied herself with drinking most of her ice water down... Silently counting to twenty.

"Sorry about that Mr. Jones." She was back to her formal, stiffy self. "Where were we?" She tried to gather her thoughts about her.

 

[nomadsoul_9]

Marcus

"Should I even bother asking what that just was? ", he thought to himself. Naah... Better not... the steam is still coming out of her ears. He snickered a little. "Well, as I was saying about the contract...", he went on, Chloe hanging on his every word, writing everything down, checking the PDA, all the standard secretary/assistant things.

Their food came via waiter. Marcus was in need of some fresh ice water. He made a rare mental note: Find out name of hostess . Both being hungry and business almost done, they ate thier respective salads. Each one studying the every movement of the other without being seen. That all too familiar creepy silence fell over the booth.

Breaking the silence and eye contact with the perfectly curved breasts of the hostess, Marcus said, "So that dinner at my folks' place on Saturday... since the lovely," his eye twitched, "Ms. Chambers and I aren't together any more," he mentally thanked some higher existance,"I'm going to need a date. You see, it's a dinner for my mother's birthday. She hates to see me alone." He glanced over at Chloe, sipping her water.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Chloe

She tried not to watch the way the fork slid from between his lips, or the way his fingers seemed to caress the water glass with each temptation to drink. To distract herself from the man at the table she kept her mind of business, appointments and whatever else would keep her thinking of Marcus as a robot, not a man.

Brigette did not help her enjoy her lunch any more than the waitress's constant flirting. Why is it women always seemed to float to the 'bad boy'? She wasn't one to point fingers however, she'd done the exact same thing!

If only I knew then what I know now.. Hint sight, they say, is always twenty-twenty. She could've kicked Marcus a few times, especially when his eyes kept falling on the waitress's breasts but it wasn't her place. Of course on the other hand, she did write those 'dear jane' letters for his royal-high-ass!

"I will call an escort service promptly when we return to the office.." She felt her face flush, knowing his mother wouldn't really like that news if word got out whom Marcus had brought to their home.. "I am sure they'll have something in your tastes.." Cheap and easy! She plastered a smile on her face and took another bite of her salad.

 

[nomadsoul_9]

Marcus

Marcus let out a snort as the almost choked on his last bit of salad when Chloe uttered escort service.

"What?!", he chuckled, "No no no no no... Jim, from accounting, well, let this just stay between you and me, he's had to report a few of those escort services to the Better Pimps Bureau. I didn't go to a service before, nor will I. Besides my mom could spot one a mile away."

Chloe, with a sharply raised brow looked at Marcus, her delicate hands pulling the fork from her mouth.

"My mom is hooked on the modern reality TV craze. Loves watching TV. And with what they put on TV, she could be certified as an expert in escort services. I was asking if you would do me a favor.", he said, hand spreak out on his chest, just above his heart.

He noticed that he didn't take the cleaners tag off from the inside of his sleeve.

"Side note, you got my measurements to the tailor's shop right? Chest? Neck? Waist? Inseam? All of those things?", he asked, then started shaking his head.

"Never mind, there's something more pressing. So, would you please do this for me? And if not for me, for the heart of a dear sweet woman, my mom?", he said making a slight puppy dog look without even noticing it.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Chloe

Without a response she bent towards him, taking a small pair of scissors out of her purse and cut off the tag with a little snip. Then she sat back and stared right at him, trying to figure out why on earth he would ask her.. HER of all people?

"That's not fair Marcus, and you know it!" She wasn't too angry, too distracted to notice she'd used his given name.. Only the second time ever in nine long months she's used it.

She sat there, breathing deeply, sipped her water, set down her fork with a weary look and wiped her mouth. "Isn't there..." She paused as the hostess/waitress/flirting HO came back by the table, lingering to fill Marcus's water but ignoring her own.

"The staff here isn't very skilled for such a pricey place.." She eyed the waitress who continued to ignore her and leave their table.

"So you want me to give up my Saturday night to accompany you to your parent's house for a dinner?"

His grin seemed to broaden even further, his eyes practically screaming "I'M TOO CUTE TO SAY NO TO!" And damn him! He knew he was too damned cuted for his own good!

She sighed heavily, knowing she was going to give in when she knew better than to do it! "What time will you.. pick me up?" She mumbled softly, wishing she could've skipped lunch altogether! "And what ocassion is this? I do like to be prepared.. Just.. please.. PLEASE tell me I don't have to act like I'm in love with.. you?" She then turned her head to peek at him.

 

[nomadsoul_9]

"Great! I'll pick you up at say, 5?", he was radiating joy at this point. He hadn't even glaced at the hostess when she walked by yet again.

"OH! And I almost forgot. I pulled this outta the box.", he said searching his right pant pocket.

It was a small black velvety bag, say, for a bracelette.

"Happy Birthday Chloe. Hope that you like it.", he said softly, true friendship and honesty showing through his smile.

Shocked and seemingly at a loss for words, she slowly put her hand out and took it from him in total disbelief.

"You have my company credit card, right?", he said, picking up his business-as-usual attitude. She only nodded, mouth gaping.

"Alrighty then. Make sure you tip the waiter. See you tomorrow," he said, "and Saturday at 5. Don't forget.", he said, pointing her finger at her. Buttoning his coat, he proceded to walk out of the restaurant, passing the hostess, coyly smiling as he secretly pinched her firm heart shaped ass.

Damn, I'm good!, his ego screamed in his head. With shades on, it was back to the office, leaving Chloe in a dazed state of awe.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Chloe

Shocked was an understatement, she knew that this little trinket cost a pretty damned penny and....

"It's mine?" She asked astonished only to see he was gone. Opening the bag, she peeked inside and sure enough the Tiffany bracelet was in the black velvet bag.

She didn't know what to say. Surely this was a bit more for a birthday than a secretary recieved?

"The bill." The waitress set it on the table, her eyes sparkling with some sort of.... She didn't know what but the waitress looked pleased with herself?

"Thank you." She pushed the credit card towards the Waitress and watched her wander off to run it. Her stomach was in knots, she couldn't possibly accept this gift.. It was just outrageous to even consider keeping it!

And yet she pulled it from the bag, her fingers delicately running over the silver metal, mentally noting each diamond inlay.

"Completely outrageous!" She couldn't help but smile, slipping it back into it's bag before tucking the smaller bag into her purse. She'd enjoy it for the day and then insist he return it. Sad as it was, she knew that Boss's just didn't give this sort of thing to a mere co-worker.

What was he up to?

When the bill came, she gave the waitress a hefty tip even though the chit all but ignored her the entire meal and raced back to the office. As much as she tried to concentrate on her work the rest of the day, she found herself tempted time and time again to pull out the bracelet and actually put it on. She resisted.. barely.

"Good night Miss Smith." A passing mail clerk smiled, catching her attention to the time. Marcus usually worked late and since she hadn't heard anything from him since lunch, she packed it up and headed home..

Barely remembering to stop and grab his suit on the way. He wouldn't be too happy with her if she forgot the Ralph Lauren get up.

 

[nomadsoul_9]

Marcus

The rest of the week went by with minimal interuption from Ms. Chambers, or anyone else for that matter. Chloe and Marcus sensed an uneasy tension between the two of them but niether wanted to bring it up. Chloe for her reasons and Marcus, simply because his memory was often shot.

Saturday came atlast. Marcus went for his daily half-hour jog in the morning around the park outside of his appartment, which was stylishly decorated like his office; very modern and him.

After he cleaned up from his jog, face freshly shaven, casually yet modelishly dressed, he went out in search of a gift for his mom. Aside from the standard "mushie" card, some flowers he found a necklace she would adore. A jade heart, clasped to a gold chain.

Checking his watch it read 2:37 pm . Hmm... just over 2 hours... what to do, what to do, he pondered. He decided to get a jump start on Monday, so he went into his office to prep some contracts. That'll fill time just nicely, he thought.

Upon getting to work, he lost urge to actually work, so he sat at his throne and watched his stocks tick their way across the screen.

Almost losing track of time, he checked the clock. 4:34 pm is what the display read. So, springing into action, he departed to meet Chloe, a small 10 minute drive away.

Arriving at Chloe's place a few minutes after 5, he figured she'd be outside the high rise, tapping her foot thinking about what a putz he really was. Wrong he was. So, he walked into the building going up to the top floor, checking his PDA for the correct room number.

*Knock knock knock*

To make sure he would be seen through the peep hole, he bent his knee a few inches. It opened and to his amazement, it wasn't Chloe.

"Hi... ummm...,", he managed to get out turning just ever so slightly a shade red, "Is Chloe here? This is her place right?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Chloe

"CHLOE!" Amy yelled from the front door, much to Chloe's chargin. "You have a guest!" and to Marcus she smiled, "Come on in. She's almost ready." Amy flashed him a flirty little smile, eyeing him up and down before she stepped outside the front door.

"Tell her I want all the details later.." And Amy vanished.

The apartment was modest but comfortable. Everything was in shades of natural wood. All her furniture looked more masculine than normal for a single female, but she loved it. With a sprinkle of blue here and there, it was almost as dark as Marcus's office and apartment.

The living room was in the center with a small, fully stocked kitchen to the right. Up a flight of stairs was her bedroom and master bathroom, only two rooms in the huge open penthouse apartment. The only rooms with doors were the kitchen pantry and her bathroom. Just over the railing her bed could be seen, it too in dark shades of brown and blue.

"Sorry! I know I am late! Damned delivery people!" She cursed under her breath as she breezed down the steps in a modest but silky little black number. She wore a cocktail dress, uncertain really what she should wear and strappy little heels to match. Her hair was pulled up minus a few wisps here and there and even her makeup was perfect for a change.

She wore a small silver choker but it was the only jewelry decorating her body. She had been nervous since thursday evening, broke her heels and had to have another pair rushed over, hence her lateness. Then Amy showed up, wanting to chit chat over ice cream, then wanting to know Marcus's life story when she found out Chloe was going out.

She couldn't seem to get the butterflies in her stomach under control as she stood before a decorative mirror hanging just outside the kitchen. The skirt was a little shorter than she would have liked, but until tonight she hadn't been home before nine at night. Too late to find something more modest.. At least the neckline was high enough.

"Is this alright?" She turned and caught him looking at her. She hadn't noticed her hands were shaking, but Marcus had. Not that he commented on it, letting her believe whatever she wanted to at that moment where his gaze had lingered.

"We won't be out too late will we? Because I really need some rest..." She was making up small talk?! For her boss?! "Alright, I'm ready.." Why did she even spray on perfume? It's not like she had to impress anyone! She was a over titled over paid secretary, not his date.. Not his lover.. Not a fiance or anything of the sort.

 

[nomadsoul_9]

Marcus

She lead the way out of the penthouse, Marcus amazed by his guest, following a safe distance behind. Speaking of which he noticed nothing but her's the whole way from the door to the elevator. Like clockwork, her butt swung left to right, with a charming rhythm, mastered only by women and snake charmers. He watched her black dress cling to her rump and almost ran into her when she stopped for the elevator.

Now walking side by side, they went to his car, a silver sports coupe, as was his style, Italian leather interior. Something about it just made his day. He opened the door for her, offered his hand to help her in, which she took.

As she stepped in and sat in the coupe, her dress slid up slightly relvealing just a bit more leg than Chloe liked but enough for Marcus to bite his lip a little. Closing the door, and rounding the car he grinned... Oh yeah!, went the ego.

"Lemme get something really quick.", he said, reaching his right arm over towards her silky and fair legs. This sudden motion almost made her jump out of her skin, her heart beating a thousand times a second. "Sorry, the radio deck is in the glove compartment.", he stated, producing the object. She calmed down a bit, but was still on edge.

He started the car up and drove away, humming to the music in the background. "Go ahead and put what you want on Chloe.", he said pointing to the radio, eyes on the road.

"This is fine Mr. Jones.", she replied.

"Come now! Marcus, please. My folks will think something's up with you calling me Mr. Jones... that's my dad. I'm Marcus tonight, 'kay?", we quickly looked over and winked.

"Alright Misteerah I mean Marcus.", she said, nervously smiling, still putting her self at ease from her near brush with his hand.

A few minutes into the drive, he wanted the AC on, so, the evil right hand came out again in Chloe's direction yet again, though not nearly as close, she let a little whimper out, barely audible to herself, assured Marcus didn't hear it, she relaxed herself again, pulling her dress down a bit.

After about 20 minutes of humming, the two even in harmony on a few songs, the reached the Jones' residence. He parked on the street.

"Well, we're here. By the way, thank you very much for helping me out here again. It means a lot to me.", he said, putting his hand on her knee this time, patting her knee a couple times.

Instantly, goosebumps formed on her arms, chills were sent up and down her spine, her nipples even perked a bit, barely visible though.

"Oh, one more thing, you look great tonight.", he added, her body still in near thermal shock. Had the reaction come from the touch of his stong and oddly soft hand or the AC? She wasn't totally sure, but her gut told her the first was more likely.

He honked a couple times on the horn with his chilling hand, and got out of the car, popping the trunk in the process to gather his mother's gifts. He walked around to Chloe's door, opened it and offered her his hand, smiling the whole time, greeting his parents as they walked out the door.

Chloe, rising out of the car, knees shaking, chills still running, smiled and greeted the folks. Mrs. Jones, screaming complements of Chloe's beauty hugged her, and instantly released her, grabbing her left hand in search of a ring, only to be let down. The cheers of Mrs. Jones' joy were replaced by a pleasing, warm smile.

Fake smiles were put up on all four fronts, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Marcus and Chloe. The ominous clouds of the awkward storm reached the Jones' house right on time.

Marcus' ego dropped to its knees, NOOOO!, and wept a little.

That was the mood for the evening.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Chloe

She was friendly, smiling and complimenting Mrs. Jones on the meal at the right time. Used her manners but the atmosphere was anything but pleasant. Ever since Mrs. Jones noticed the lack of a ring, she'd been giving her son stern glances every so often.

She was displeased with him! It was shocking to see Marcus flush like a little boy before his momma's wrath, and charming as well. To think the big guy was still afraid of his mother, it made her smile more often than not.

She tried not to think of the car ride over, and so indulged a little in the champagne.. A lot more than she was used to actually. By the end of the meal, hardly eaten and her fourth glass of champagne, she was feeling it from head to toe.

And still.. The way he touched her, watched her. She could sense his eyes on her ass as she'd walked, on her legs in the car, her breasts when she exited his car which were all but begging to be touched with how hard they were.. What was his game?

Obviously she had drank too much and was seeing things.. That or Marcus was just a male version of a slut. She almost groaned aloud with the thought. She was being unfair to him, it wasn't his fault she was attracted to him and read more into his actions than what was intended!

"Thank you for the lovely evening Mr. and Mrs. Jones.." She almost slurred a little but managed to sound proper as she had when she arrived.

"Good night, sweetie.." His mom kissed Marcus on the cheek, thanked him for her lovely gifts and muttered something about a grand baby being the perfect gift as she wandered back inside. Mr. Jones shook her hand, appologizing for the 'tension' with a knowing look at his son before they turned together to head back to his car.

She walked a little less straight as she made a bee-line for the car. When the door was opened for her, she giggled out a "thank you.." And slipped back into the deliciously sensual leather seat. She ran her thighs up and down slightly to get the 'feel' of the seat before Marcus popped into the driver's side.

"Well that was...... interesting.." She was flushed, her body nice and warm from the champagne and laughter bubbling just under the surface from Mrs. Jones' sulking tonight. "Do all your .. 'dates' meet the parents?" She chuckled and then gasped as she realised she said that aloud.

"Sorry!" She clamped her lips shut, doing her damnedest not to speak again.

 

[nomadsoul_9]

Marcus

Knowing that it was the drink talking and not her, he was still slightly perturbed that the comment was even in her mind. He just dismissed it and would count the losses of the night on the way home.

He hadn't even gotten in the car when he noticed the very limp Chloe, almost drooping into his seat. He propped her up on her side of the car door and put her seat belt on her, brushing against her firm breasts and again locking her door.

Her dress wasn't as prudishly kept either, the black fabric had hiked well up to her hip, where it bunched a little. The moving of the dress revealed a good bit about Chloe's personality. Marcus laughed on the inside when he finally knew that something was stuck up Chloe's butt; a black lace thong in this case.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Chloe

"Chloe? Wake up.." his hand gently as possible shook her shoulder, causing a low moan. Slowly she unwound herself from the car, standing up to brush fully against Marcus. Her breasts hit his groin and from there up to his chest she rose.

A faint smile played on her lips as she blinked a few times, "I was having this wonderful dream Marcus.." A little pout came, she didn't want to wake up.

"Come on, let's get you up stairs.." He put an arm around her waist as she clung to his chest a moment to get her feet under her. They just weren't cooperating!

"Damned shoes!" She kicked them off there on the street, bending, her head bumping into her abs as she snatched them up in one hand.

He got her into the elevator where upon she slumped against the railing inside, covered a yawn and stretched.

"I have your clothes.." She yawned again, wondering briefly why she drank as much as she had? She knew alcohol of any kind did this to her.. Absurd, she was completely hopeless!

"Pardon?" He looked a little confused until she muttered about his suit in her apartment.

"Will bring it Monday.." The doors opened and held until no one moved through. Realising Chloe wasn't walking off of it, Marcus hit the button to keep the doors open.

"Thanks.." It was quiet in the elevator and they were alone.....

As if to stop the thoughts, she shook her self visibly and moved forward towards the door. "Sorry the night didn't go better Mr. Jones, good night.." She gave him a little smile and slipped out of the elevator as she hunted for her keys.

The hall spun a little but she managed to find her door easily enough.. being only one of two on the floor, and let herself in to sleep it off.

 

[nomadsoul_9]

Marcus

Marcus rested well on Sunday which passed by lazily. Not doing much of anything, he lounged around watching TV in his appartment. His personal cell phone went off to some catchy pre-programed tune.

"Hello? Hehehehey there. I see you got my message. Tomorrow night? Sounds great, lemme give you the address. Ready? Ok...", he answered, the smuggest of looks crossed his face.

Monday came about and it was, like always in the law department, business as usual. Chloe had purposefully been avoiding Marcus, what with Saturday night's events and all. She was ashamed and didn't want to talk to him more than she needed. Answers were short, but professional.

The day passed and there was barely any interaction between the two of them until, Chloe entered his office.

"Mr. Jones, I was going to head out now.", she stated, dreading a possible and probable "By the way..." he is notorious for.

"Ok. Drive safe.", he said, waving his hand three times at her, not bothering to look up from his documents.

She left, slightly stunned but pleased that she was free for the evening. With only about 2 more hours until sunset, she could go home to her penthouse and prep for tomorrow and whatever she would do on a free Monday night.

Meanwhile back at the office just after sunset...

"Hey you!", Marcus said warmly as he stood from his chair to greet this stranger entering his office. He was getting a little thirsty. Lucky for him, the hostess showed up with a "fresh glass of water" for him.

Their lips met just as she walked into the door, which was slammed shut with his left hand, as his right hand was preoccupied with holding on firmly to that tight, round, heart shaped ass.

The 5'10", 20-someting hostess was a part-time student, part-time hostess and part-time nude model for her college art class. Her curves allowed for great works of art. She had thin curls in her blonde hair which barely passed her sholders. She was about 140 pounds, not much at all when Marcus lifted her onto his desk without even breathing heavily.

He began to mount the desk while they both blindly pushed papers and files off. She unbuttoned his shirt and loosened his tie, revealing his hairless, smooth pecs. Her hands touched them and caressed him as she slid his shirt off.

He followed suit by lifting up her blouse, exposing her breasts encased in an emerald colored bra, just a few shades darker than her lust filled eyes. His eyes met with hers and he smiled a sly grin as they kissed with a firey passion.

The sound of lips smacking lips and flesh filled the room, with a sigh or moan escaping either mouth every now and then. He made quick work of the green fortress around her chest, throwing it to the ground, near her blouse. Her breasts bounce once they were liberated, nipples perked to perfection.

His hands cupped each tit as she positioned herself under him. He scooted down a little to flick her perky nipples with his tounge, which she seemingly enjoyed, her hands slidding up and down his bare back. Every so often, she raked her nails, making him hot and bothered.

"I need you in me right now.", she barely managed to moan out. His nipple flicking distracted her so much that she barely noticed her pants were half way off. He teased her further, rubbing her panties, lace and matching the bra. He ceased the nipple play and went towards her ears, whispering, "I want to make you scream.", this in synch with his finger movements, slipping underneath her panites and instering into her clean shaven snatch.

Normally, the proposition alone would be enough to excite her, but the actions made her scream alright. She pushed his wet finger out of the way and took off her pants and thier counterpart. She took off his belts and unzipped his pants for her prize.

She felt his 9 inch cock for the first time in the restaurant and had been longing for it since. Once unsheathed, she sat up and happily licked away at it, stroking slowly. She marveled at what she guessed was a two inch diameter. Placing it's head in her mouth, she sucked it sensually, moving back and forth, looking up at him just as he let out a groan of total pleasure. She stopped and said, "I want it all, right now,", she reached for his belt, "rough."

Taking his belt, he wrapped it around her torso, binding her arms to her side. She moaned and licked her lips with approval. She still wanted his cock but, there were more pressing matters on her mind. He got off of his desk, she wiggled to the side to do the same, her breasts on the cold surface.

He was facing where he would normally be sitting, amidst a pile of files and paperwork. That image lasted the better half of a nano-second as that ass was right before him, her love box just below, shinning with her nectar.

"It's not polite to stare.", she complained with a dirty smile on her face, looking over her sholder, "Hurry up and fuck me!".

Slowly putting his rod in her pussy, she enveloped his cock and thought for a brief moment if she could handle it. She screamed out in pleasure, "Ooooh, mmmmm, YEAH!", as he pulled back on her hair a bit. He slowly began a new kind of work, slowly moving back and forth...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Chloe

Never so pleased to have an early night, she stopped and grabbed her favorite take-out and raced home to do something completely non-work-related... pamper herself.

She'd gotten dinner done and showered, dressed in comfortable terry-cloth sweats and a T-shirt and sat down to give herself a manicure when she remembered something.
"Shit!" She flopped back into her overstuffed couch and sulked, "Fergusson file..." With a groan she tossed her nail file at the little tote that held all sorts of fancy little gadgets for nails and missed! "Figures!"

The contracts were important, even if it was a marriage contract between some sci-fi writer and a supermodel. Resigned to the fact she had to go back to the office, she got up and slipped on some tennis shoes and jacket. Grabbing the 'big' keys she hailed a cab outside her apartment just after nine.

"Baunder & Fink Publishing" Sitting back, she did her best not to sulk. Her entire free night just became a late shift!

Maybe Marcus finished it? she stared at this couple standing just inside a doorway on the sidewalk, snuggling up close, looking to be without a care in the world and very much in love. She resented them, but envied them as well. She wished, for a moment, she was snuggling under a business sign for a quick kiss.

The taxi continued on, couple forgotten, she just tried to keep herself relaxed. What she could've really used right about now was a good massage therapist working on her back. The tensions just seemed to keep rising as each day of work came and went.

I need to remind myself to ask for my vacation time.. She shifted in her seat, feeling much older than twenty nine. The cab stopped quite some time ago in her musing, which she hadn't noticed. "Are you gettin' out lady?"

"Yeah.." she thought about making him wait, but knew there were fifty more cabs waiting and this guy seemed irritated. Letting herself into the building, she checked her ID at the desk, stopping to ask Mick, a security guard, about his new daughter.

The elevator was empty, of course, who in their right mind would be at work this time of night? Hunting through her keys, she hummed along with the classical music.. which was just a version of "Hero" by Mariah Carey... not very classical.

She halted as she stepped out, listening for a moment. Hearing nothing, but wondering what she had heard, she moved to her desk. A search on top turned up no file and it was no where inside her desk either.

"Where the hell is it?" She muttered as she eyed a dark corner. She didn't like being in this place when it was empty, just kind of freaked her out a little. She checked the filing cabinet and finally decided to check Marcus's office. Pulling out his key from her ring, she moved to unlock his office only to find it wasn't locked.

Without even stopping to consider he might be in there, she quickly let herself into the room. Moving forward into the room a few steps she stopped when she realized there were two naked people, fucking on the desk. She felt all color drain from her face as her eyes met those of her Boss. They seemed to lock gazes for much longer than in passing, nor did he stop what he was doing to the waitress! Flushed, between anger and something she didn't want to identify, she tore her eyes away from his.

Averting her eyes to something less revealing, she spotted the file. Sure enough, the file was in here.. currently under one of Marcus's bare feet.. A gasp of surprise escaped her lips, her face growing red with embarrassment, and knowing she'd have to retype that in the morning.

Her heart beat seemed to jump in her breast, her glazed eyes narrowing on the scene. A naked bound waitress whom she knew she seen before and one very naked Marcus standing behind the chit. His hand was tugging the gal's hair, holding her head back as he fucked the waitress with enough force to make his little statues wiggle on their bases. She'd seen more than she wanted to at this angle, knowing that the image of him from head to toe would always be in her mind... singed there!

"I'm so.. so sorry!" She barely croaked out, turning her back to the couple. The waitress turned her head with Chloe's words, and for a moment their faces matched expressions.. shock.

It was almost like witnessing Reed and Bridgett all over again! Fleeing, she nearly ran for the door, escaping to the outer office, she let the door slam behind her. Mortified, disgusted and for some reason very upset, she punched at the elevator buttons, trying to get the damned doors to open! When it didn't come fast enough, worried what might happen if she stayed on this floor, she hit the stair case exit.

Each step down to safety seemed to cry out "PIG!" She was in a wild frenzy of emotions. She was disgusted by what she just seen, she was also upset enough to cry. The reminder of what Reed had done to her.. And over it all she kept seeing Marcus's bare chest, the curve of his back.. And she definitely seen more of him that was proper.

But my god! He's .. he's very well endowed!.................... still a fucking pig!

Out of breath, she made it to the lobby, threw a wave to Mick and escaped the building. She kept walking towards home, she'd hail a taxi sooner or later, when she was more in control of herself.

 

[nomadsoul_9]

Marcus

If ever there was a moment in his life where Marcus thought,"Can my day get any worse?", he would never have pegged this moment to be one of them. He pulled out of the warm hostess' cunt, the flesh being very willing while the spirit was shattered and thrashed.

"And that skank was...", uttered the hostess, upset and gathering her clothes.

"Don't call her that!", he demanded, and continued, obviously flustered, but lighter, "That was my secretary."

"I see. Well, I know the way out. Call me sometime. See you at he restaurant.", she said, raking her fingers across his chest as she walked passed him, still standing in the same spot. As she did, she reached up to lick his ear, but he brushed her way and uninterestedly said, "Yeah."

She left, nose slightly bent out of shape, as was her hair, shirt and left bra strap. He was left alone in his office, staring at the mini David on his desk. His ego, licking its wounds said, What the hell are you looking at? Sure, she can see you naked, but not me! Where's the justice?!

Needless to say Tuesday was the zenith of awkwardness in the area around Marcus' office. No one but the three involved parties knew what went on. Marcus just hoped it would stay that way.

Marcus spoke into his intercom, a muffled voice produced near Chloe. "Can I umm... see you in here for a bit?"

Stopping her typing she walked into his office, still in a bit of shock, but stong willed. She entered and closed the door behind her, a brave move she thought. She was as far away from his desk as possible, back almost to the wall, like the new cute guy in a maximum security prison during a shower. Taking a few deep breaths she collected herself and sat in the chair he gestured to.

"I can't begin to tell you how embarrassed I am about last night.", he said with a small quiver in his voice. He went on, "It wasn't proper when you walked in, nor was it proper if you hadn't walked in. I'm sorry that you walked in.".

Sure that last sentence was a bit of a fib on his part. He saw her staring at his member. Sure it was a fib, but not much of one and he knew all of this.

"I won't misuse my office again. I'll handle those personal things at my appartment."

She, stone-faced, simply agreed and reminded him of another appointment scheduled for the not to distant future.

"Gotcha. Are we still going to function as a team here?", he inquired, asking for reassurance.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Chloe

"So what happened?" Amy stood beside her sink, munching on a cellery stick, following Chloe around like a puppy.

"Nothing.."

"Bull! I know that look."

"Nothing happened between my boss and I, if that's what you mean?"

"But something happened..."

"You're so damned nosey Amy." She sighed, rinsed another plate, doing her best not to break it in her hand. She was that mad at Marcus.

"And your point?"

"I walked in on Mr. Jones fucking a waitress.... whom works in that little itallian place on 7th? Anyway it was more awkward than changing in gym class!"

"Shut up! You're kidding me?" Amy giggled, shaking her head and she took another bite.

"No one says 'shut up' any more Amy.. And at our age? And YES I walked in on them.. Hell!" She threw the dish towel, "It's not like I knew he was in there boning some little trashy bimbo!"

"That must've been a surprise.. a pleasant surprise!" Amy edged closer. "So what did you see?"

"Amy, I really.. REALLY don't want to go over what I saw or didn't see. Please? I just.. I have dishes to finish.." Chloe was tired, having little sleep since the night before.. Too many images in her head..

Amy went home after they shared the pasta dinner Chloe had cooked, a new hobby since the divorce that. Cooking hadn't been a strong point until she had nothing left to do in her life BUT cook. Luckily she always watched her weight.

The next day at work, it was so tense in her office area, she could've sworn it hung in the air like a shrowd of death.. Not even Betty came by to be social, that was amazing.

The buzzer at her side made her jump, even though she could barely hear it.. Marcus liked the serenity of the office, there for the noise was barely audible.. But to her it was the drum roll to her execution.

This is where I get the old "I am sorry, but we're going to have to let you go.." Gathering her self into a dignant poise, she entered his office, stone faced and waiting for the sentencing.

What surprised her the most after his little speech was the fact he was appologizing to her! Not her to him. She sat in silence for a long moment, trying to make her brain connections fire at the same time, make sure she heard him right?

"Y-Yes. Sir.." She added as an after thought. "We will still be the perfect team." She tried to smile and failed, her eyes resting on the desk a long moment. She could still see him, standing behind the little waitress, pushing himself in and out of the girl's pussy.

"I have to go!" She stammered off and rising from her seat at the same time. She needed out of there, and fast! "There is work to be done.. Right?" She flashed a smile and with his slight nod, she was out of there in record time once again seated at her desk.

Hands shaking, she had to take a few minutes just to calm herself back to a level of normalcy just to answer the damned phones. She felt flushed, hot and weak at the same time. She knew what was happening.. She was falling for the pig in the other room! She had to stop these visuals in her mind of him.. Stop thinking about what it would be like to be the one bent over that desk.. What she really needed to do was get out and date! At least a one night stand, sex was obviously something she just couldn't do without.. So much for that little conviction she'd set in her mind.

 

[nomadsoul_9]

Marcus

Taking a quick break from his files moments after Chloe left, he clicked his TV on, just in time to catch the summary of the stock market reports. Atleast he was still making a fair bit of extra money from the market. He invested a large chunk of inheritance money when he was 20 and it has treated him very well since.

"You're appointment is here sir.", Chloe muffled over the intercom.

This'll be fun, he thought to himself, just as the door opened. Richard McMacmanus walked in with his wife, Jodi. He was an elderly gent, Marcus guessed mid 60s, early 70 tops. A spitting image of Colonel Sanders, he was the author of many self-help reference books.

Jodi was a 30ish brunette from a well-to-do family in the record industry. Born rich in Georgia, she grew used to the life style and married rich, she also knew McMacmanus through her family. He was a great friend of her father and watched her grow up and was there to comfort her when her father died. They became dear friends one day, the rest is history.

She had a wonderful body. Full D cup, firm and shapely butt, all around toned body. Shame it's about half real went the ego. Marcus quickly blinked as if to rattle his ego out.

"Mr. and Mrs. McMacmanus, welcome. How are we today?", Marcus chimmed already walking to greet them. He was already sick of them.

"This bitch didn't shut up the whole way here! I can't take it! I'm glad she's leaving! It won't be long now!", Richard stated in his thick Irish tone, eyes getting beady, lips tense.

"Well, if you weren't such a hard ass, you'd go to see the doctor and get the pills that will make you say It will be long now!", she screamed in a mocking tone.

Marcus had closed the door before two of them started up. Not enough to halt the sounds of the verbal onslaught.

Richard responded by mouthing some incoherent jibberish, moving his left hand like a puppet at her. With all the hubbub going on, Chloe, not being dead to the world, had her ears perked up and was leaning back in her seat to get a better idea as to what was going on. Betty'll love this, she thought, managing a grin.

"Ohohokay then. Straight to business I see.", Marcus said, literally getting right between them, praying not to see blood. He started up again having seated his quaint guests, "Now, Jodi, you're wanting to terminate your marital status with Richard. Why, for interest of the paperwork?"

"Well,", the southern bell paused, looking over at the David and then back at Marcus, "Richy here won't get the pill... you know, the guy pill, not the..."

"I know which pill ma'am,", Marcus interputed, "please continue." Chloe snickered a little at her desk.

"Well, he just refuses to get the pill for our love making."

"Well, if the girl would just shut up about "let's screw" or "lemme shove your cock in my mouth" or...", Richard started to defend himself.

Marcus quickly interjected, "Thank you Richard. I get the picture.". Sad thing was that it was true. He tried hard to keep a straight face but the image of the beautiful 30 something woman being screwed by this fossil was almost seared into his mind's retinae. Blinking quickly yet again he went on.

"Now you are here to finalize this divorce, correct?"

Both indicated nods, Jodi being first nodded vigorously. Richard, with a small well forming in his left eye, slowly followed suit, picking up speed slowly. This left Chloe in the dark as to the answer. She was almost at the point of biting her nails in anticipation of the outcome of this modern radio soap oprea.

Suddenly, as Marcus was explaining the agreed division of the stock of the company, the royalties, etc., Richard shot up in a furisous outburst, loud enough for Chloe to launch forward in her seat thinking Someone is going to die!, and shouted,

"THIS IS CRAP!"

He then stormed to the door, opening is wildly and slamming it shut. Marcus was impressed with the speed and strength of the fossil, who stormed out and off to his own creation.

"Bastard has a poor temper.", Jodi added shyly.

"Okay now. I'm going to be frank Jodi,", Marcus said, undoing his tie to releave the tension building in his head.

Chloe sat at her desk, stunned but still able to hear the room.

"He's provided for me over the years. He's been good to me.", Jodi started sobbing.

Marcus couldn't stand to see a woman crying. Such a vulnerable, beautiful woman, weeping her big doe eyes out. Time to make a move and do something.

"But what?", he asked, handing her a tissue as he sat in what used to be Richard's seat.

"Things were fine for a while... I could deal with it. When he could keep an erection, I would have the best sex I've ever had in my life.", she said, adding slightly more than Marcus needed.

Chloe's danger radar went off. She looked around her desk for a meaningless file to bring in to Marcus to save this woman from his swine clutches. Finding one, she sleathly moved to the door when she heard,

"Come here. It's ok. There you go. Let it out. That's right." accompanied by a light patting noise. She hurried to the door, her blood almost at it's boiling point, when she stopped just as the handle met her hand. She listened.

"You don't want to leave Richard. You're all he speaks about.", Marcus said.

The file dropped from Chloe's hand as she stood back, stunned yet again.

"When ever he comes in for a meeting with me," Marcus went on, still hugging and comforting Jodi, "he's always showing me pictures of you and him, happily together, or telling me stories about the two of you on vacations."

"Really?", sobbed Jodi after she blew her nose, breaking the comforting bond between them.

"Totally! Granted, I didn't know about your love life until today, but, I've been a friend of his for as long as I've been here. Why do you want to split?", added Marcus.

"Love making isn't the same with him anymore. He won't get the pill or get help.", Jodi let out with a pout.

"It's not all about sex Jodi. Your marriage with Richard is something special that he wouldn't trade for anything. Not all of his books, not this company, not all the money in the world. He loves you for you. It's not about the money. How does he like his toast?"

Without even thinking she replied, "Two pieces of wheat toast, one with strawberry jam, the other with a pat of butter. What does that have to do with this?"

"Everything!", he exclaimed. "You took the time to know what he likes. He knows what flower you like, what color you like, what everything you like and even the dislikes. You two went through a good chunk of life together and learned about one another. That's what it's about."

Sitting back in her chair, Jodi stopped sobbing and got rid of the last bit of her tears. The wheels started to turn in her head as Marcus' words started to take root.

"You're right. I love him. I have to go find him to work this out.", she said, standing and running out the door with a quick thank you. That was strange. Atleast she shut the door, he thought.

Both he and Chloe sat down in thier chairs, trying to go over what just happened. Both pondering Marcus' statement.

"Yeah. I guess that sums it up. This inner truth stuff is really cool.", Marcus whispered to himself.

Chloe sat at her desk, baffled more now than ever before.

DOES ANYTHING NORMAL EVER HAPPEN AROUND HERE!, her mind screamed.