Chapter 1: Opening Image
Stacks of papers and manila folders swam on James's desk as he peeked at his watch. 4:37. Only three minutes had passed since the last time he'd checked. His fingers drummed on the leather armrests of his ergonomic chair, the beat echoing his building impatience.
Around him, colleagues chatted about the weekend or typed away at keyboards while the scent of fresh coffee wafted through the air, drifting out from the office's ubiquitous kitchenette.
The room buzzed with the ceaseless ebb and flow of modern office life, its monotonous rhythm as wearisome as the worn linoleum on the floor.
James' gaze idly traced the outline of the city skyline through the dusty office window. The buildings cast endless shadows upon the busy street below, a metaphor for the gnawing doubt that began to nestle in the corners of his mind.
He shook his head, as if the act alone could disperse lingering thoughts.
"James, darling," a lilting voice drifted to him. "Always so focused on work, aren't you?"
He swiveled his chair to face a petite redhead. Lucy. Her hair cascaded in loose waves, framing a heart-shaped face punctuated by sparkling green eyes and a mischievous grin. With her hands on her curvy hips, she leaned against his desk, drawing the attention of the few coworkers within earshot.
"You really need to enjoy life, Jim. Loosen up a little."
James pursed his lips, sizing her up. "Well, Lucy, I enjoy life just fine," he replied, unable to suppress the velvety edge creeping into his voice. "But one of us has to keep the ship steady."
The fire in her eyes blazed brighter, and she shifted her weight, exposing more of her toned thighs. "And you're the captain?" she inquired, fluttering her lashes.
"Surely, your wife and kids appreciate your dedicated routine. But what about what I need?"
James leaned back in his chair, scrutinizing her every move. He let a devious grin slip past his lips. Her boldness left him with more than a little intrigue. Lucy was a new employee - fresh meat.
He drew his tongue over his lower lip. "All right. Say what it is you need, Lucy, and I'll see if I can oblige," he teased.
Her cheeks turned pink, but her gaze remained locked on his.
"Meet me at the supply closet in three minutes. We'll see who walks out first," Lucy murmured.
James tilted his head, feigning reluctance. "Three minutes?"
"Three minutes, or I'm coming for you," she threatened a moment before she spun on her heel and strutted away.
His eyes devoured her, his loins stirring to life as he admired her swaying hips.
A quick glance at his watch assured him he still had time to kill.
He leaned back in his chair, stretched his arms overhead, and popped the latch on his pants. As his zipper ring slid down his fly, he weekened, sensing the anticipation of their impending tryst.
Two voices, one male and the other female, echoed through the now-silent office. Through his office door, James could see a pair of legs sashaying toward the supply closet. He slipped out of his chair, slipped on his shoes, and followed.
With a confident swagger, he crossed the office to the closet.
His hand slipped easily beneath Lucy's sundress, skimming her curves before pausing on her ass. His mouth found hers, hard and eager, his tongue tangling with hers as his hand crept up her thigh.
Lucy whimpered as his fingers brushed the damp fabric of her panties, spreading her legs wider. She dropped to her knees, determined to repay his advances.
James shivered as her eager lips found the zipper of his pants. Fumbling fingers undid his flies, and with a hint of desperation, he stepped out of his trousers.