The Office

Lilly

I arrive for my first day at work and go directly to the HR department, where Hazel takes some details from me. Then she leads me out and along the corridor to an open office area.

“This is where you will be working,” she says as she shows me to a desk. “Matt should be in shortly.” She gives me a sweet smile.

“Ok thanks.” I take my seat and wonder what I should do. Looking at the other people, who are mostly men, they are all focused on their computer screens. I’ll be collaborating with this colleague Matt, who will lend his expertise in web design and assist with data input. I haven’t had the chance to meet him yet, but I’m looking forward to it.

“Hi, you must be the new girl?” A guy holds out his hand. “I’m Matt.”

“Hi, yes, I’m Lilly,” I say with a warm smile. “Ah, so you’re the one I’ll be teaming up with?” Oh, my freaking god. My heart flutters as he takes my hand in his and we do a funny not quite handshake, but more just sort of holding hands. He is freaking gorgeous, but I bet he is a ladies’ man.

“Yeah, so do you want me to show you where to get started?” He pulls up his chair next to mine, starting up the computer. He runs through a few of the basics with me and then hands us a file he had on his desk. “Right, see all this. You want to input all this into this section here, and all this into that section.”

His words demand my full attention, especially when his proximity fills the space between us. While speaking, he casually rests his arm on the back of my chair, creating a sense of closeness. I take a quick glance at his face and catch a glimpse of a mischievous smile playing on his lips. His skin is smooth, and his clean-shaven face reveals intricate tattoos adorning his neck and hands. The scent that surrounds him is simply captivating, and I hold back from letting out a soft moan.

“So you think you got all that? Once you input all the data, we can move forward by finalizing the design. This means, the companies can utilize the new programs to enhance their operations. It simplifies the process of essentially managing them. We do all the hard work.” He winks.

In my new position at this company, I am tasked with processing and organizing data for major corporations. The company also makes and designs websites for companies. That is where Matt comes in on top of what he does. He is extremely talented. Out of hundreds of applications who applied for this job, I got the position over some of the top applicants. The interview was tough, but I put in an excellent performance and demonstrated my skills in the half hour given for the data processing task.

It was like sitting in a room for an exam. After the initial test, they brought me back for the second interview and that’s where I met the big boss, Mr Black, and the office manager, Mr Hardy. Both of whom seem nice.

“Yeah, it looks quite easy, thanks.” I set about starting the tasks he has for me whilst he is busy doing his work. It is a breeze for me to do, and soon I am finished. “Do you have more for me to do?”

Matt looks up and raises his eyebrows. “I think a trip to the management will help you on that one. I’ve still got some work on my desk to do. If you want, I can come and hold your hand if you’re scared of the boss.” He laughs.

“I think I’ll be ok there, but thanks for your offer.” I get up and look across to where the floor manager’s office is. As I walk across, the sound of my heels click on the wooden flooring and I make a mental note not to wear heels. As I wait, I can feel the weight of several pairs of eyes fixed on me.

“Come in.” Daniel Hardy welcomes me in. He is the office manager, and I met him at the second interview. “Good morning, Lilly isn’t it?”

I step into his office. “Yes, sir.”

“Right well, I hope your colleague Matt has shown you the ins and outs of how it all works. And if you need help with anything, just come to me and I can help you. Once you’ve been here for a bit, it will be easy for you.” He smiles and makes me feel welcome.

“Yes sir. Thank you. Matt said to come as I finished the file he has given me.” My cheeks heat with embarrassment and I don’t know why.

“Here, take these files and start on them.” He collects three files off his desk and hands them to me.

I head back out and over to my section, feeling the weight of the files in my hands as I carry them. The look I get off Matt as I approach is comical. There is something about him that clicks with me, and I can see us become fast friends.

Matt

When I got told that I had to deal with the new person starting, I didn’t want to go through all the training shit I had gone through with the last person. But walking in there this morning and seeing her, well fuck me. Most of the women that are in this place have tried to hit on me, but I’m not interested in them because they are all bitches. But she is something else. The way her blonde hair falls around her shoulders, and her gorgeous blue eyes are bright with life. None of the fake shit those in here seem to be like.

I see her coming out of Mr. Hardy’s office and walking back with a few files. “How was the boss? He can be a bit hard on the staff sometimes if things aren’t going well for him. I’ve heard him shout at some people and the look in their eyes when they come out of his office.” I raise my eyebrows. “We can still have a laugh, otherwise it gets awfully boring.”

“Thank you. I guess he seems alright.” She shrugs her shoulders. “So basically do my work and stay out of trouble. So what do you normally do around here for lunch, then?” She places the files down and sits in her seat.

“There are a couple of choices. The big bosses go to the Italian restaurant, we go to a street van that does some burgers and stuff. We have a break room as well. If you fancy a coffee or something, you can get one anytime. I’ll show you it once we’ve done some work.” I wink, then curse myself for being creepy. She probably thinks I’m hitting on her already.

After a while, I decide it’s time for a coffee break and ask if Lilly wants to join me. “Sure. Yeah, coffee will be good soon. I just want to get these files done.” She furrows her brow and clicks away at her keyboard again.

After she finishes, I guide her to the break room we have. “How do you like your coffee?” I click the machine on and grab two cups.

“Strong and sweet.” She gazes around the room. There isn’t much to the breakroom. A few seats around a table, and a small fridge to keep the things cool in.

“Just like me then.” Fuck, I must sound like a total dick. Why did I say that?

“Hi Matt.” Becca comes in and I tense up.

She is the last thing I need. “Becca, this is Lilly. She’s the new girl here.” I do a cringeworthy introduction.

“Hello.” Becca replies, but already she is sneering at Lilly and I almost laugh when Lilly just gives her a tight-lipped smile.

“Here is your coffee, my dear.” I try to give her a look to say that I don’t like Becca at all.

“Thank you, sweetheart.” I’m glad she picked up on my signal. God, she’s gorgeous. Slinging my arm around her shoulder, I give Becca a smug grin when Lilly replies. “Well, shall we get back to work, my dear?” Oh god, she puts her free arm around my waist.

I lean down and whisper in her ear. “Thank you. She’s like one of the office bitches in here, always trying to get her claws into me.” I roll my eyes.

“The dirty look she gave me, I could tell.” She pinches my waist before dropping her arm.

As we walk back to our section, I realize that I’ve still got my arm around her shoulder. I let it drop quickly before anyone sees us.

“God, thanks again for that. I wasn’t sure if you picked up on my signal or not.”

“As long as she’s not going to corner me now and tell me that you’re hers and to back the hell away from you.”

“She might try that one.” I laugh and shake my head.

Back at our desks, we relish the comforting taste of our coffees and engage in whispered conversations. She’s really hilarious, and there was a point where we couldn’t help but laugh out loud, trying to suppress our amusement like mischievous kids.

“Quick, back to work. The big boss is on the floor.” I whisper. “Oh, all clear, he’s just gone into Mr. Hardy’s office.” I breathe a sigh of relief.

Lilly

We get back to work and I’m working away when I feel a presence next to me. I turn and look up to find Mr. Hardy standing over me. “Can you come into my office for a moment, please?”

I give him a nod and fire a quick glance at Matt, who averts his eyes. As we walk back to his office, I feel the warmth of his hand on the small of my back, gently guiding me inside and closing the door behind us.

“Lilly, I take it you’re settling in, ok?” It is Oscar Black, the CEO of the company.

“Is everything ok?” I glance between the two men. “I mean, I’ve nearly got all the files you gave me done, Mr. Hardy.” The feeling of nervousness twisted my stomach, as I wondered if my pace was satisfactory for them.

Oscar Black gives a hearty laugh. “It’s nothing like that Lilly. We were wondering if you would care to join us both for lunch, seeing as it’s your first day here.”

“Oh, right?” I relaxed a little. “I haven’t made any plans for lunch yet.”

“Good, meet us at the Italian restaurant at 12.30. I might have a client with me if I haven’t finished beforehand, but don’t worry, you’ll still enjoy the food there.” Mr. Black gives me a tight smile.

“You may go now, Lilly, and I’m impressed that you have so much done already.” Mr. Hardy opens the door for me.

I walk back to my desk, and Matt immediately starts asking questions. “Wow. No one has ever invited me for lunch before.” Then he lowers his voice. “Well, good luck. You’ll need it when you get back. The females in this place are all back stabbing bitches.” Then he pauses and takes a glance around. “Especially if you’re seen with Mr Black.”

After a bit more chat, we tie up loose ends before heading out for lunch. As I reflected on what Matt had said, a sense of nervousness began to creep in. Realizing I might be late, I hastily grab my bag and rush towards the elevator. With a soft ping, the lift doors slide open, revealing Mr. Black and a person who I can only assume is the client.

“Hello Mr Black.”

“Hello Lilly, this is our client, Simon Tunstall.”

I hold out my hand for him to shake, but he takes it and brings his lips and kisses the back of my hand. “Oh, it’s a very good afternoon now. I get to spend it with you.” He leers over me.

I pull my hand away. I know I’ve got to pretend he doesn’t get under my skin, but his arrogance and condescending attitude reveal him to be one of those slimy businessmen who believes women are easily swayed. The way he looks down at me with a smug smile only confirms my suspicions.

Mr Oscar Black

I’ve just finished up with my client Simon Tunstall, who is looking at investing in some projects I have going on through the company. I had thought we would meet at the restaurant, but changed my mind at the last minute, but now it has run longer than I had intended. We head into the lift; it stops at one floor and when the lift doors open, Lilly is standing there. As she steps in, I can see that Simon is eyeing her up and leering at her. She is polite and says hello. I feel obliged to introduce her to Simon. The way he speaks to her, with such arrogance, and the audacity to kiss her hand, sparks an immediate desire in me to give him a good smack. As she steps away from him, she takes her place on the other side of me and I secretly smile. Her perfume wafts towards me, igniting a whirlwind of desire. I always maintain emotional distance and never let a woman’s presence affect me because I enjoy having the power to dictate the outcome.

The lift ride is uncomfortable. It seems to be taking forever to get down to the ground floor. All I can think of is her. I didn’t pay much attention to her at the interview, but when she came into Daniel’s office earlier on, I could feel a tingling through my body. And now, standing next to her, I can feel myself getting hard. Women don’t have this effect on me. So why does she? As we leave the lift, I place my hand on Lilly’s back and guide her out of the lift. I want to pull her in and taste her lips so badly, but that would make me a bad boss. Time. I need to give it time, then I will have her.