Authors: Chrissie Buhr
The blankets were on the floor again. I nodded at them. “Either you don’t like to be hot or you like the view.”
She ran the back of one finger down my side, making me shiver. “You’re the Sensitive. What do you think?”
“I like the view too.”
The clock told me we didn’t have as much time as we’d have liked, so we wasted none of it. Coming together intimately, passion grew quickly.
After a brief jog and a shower, we settled down to breakfast. It wasn’t the feast of the day before, and Billie shrugged as she ate a more moderate amount. Not even a traditional breakfast, more a mish-mash of what remained after Billie’s appetite. “I cleaned out your fridge this weekend. I’ll pick up a couple of breakfast burritos on the way to work. And more groceries after.”
Trying to make my tone proper, it came out seductive instead. “I do believe I just heard you invite yourself over tonight.”
“If that’s okay.” She cocked her head and sent me a teasing tone.
Pointing my fork at her, I threatened. “You better. What time are you supposed to be at work?”
“Eight.”
“It’s eight fifteen.”
Her eyes glistened. “I know. Richard will understand. Actually he’ll be thrilled. I haven’t been serious about someone in a long time.”
“What are you going to tell him?”
“That the sex was too good to drag myself out of bed.”
I choked. “You’re serious?” She was.
Actually, she was looking forward to the conversation. “Yep. And he will laugh and not complain, if I know him.”
“My boss would kill me if I walked in with that excuse.”
She knew herself fortunate. “I’m lucky I work for Richard. And one hour in an accountant’s life is just like another most of the time. I don’t have any deadlines this morning, so I’m good. Are we still on for Friday?”
The idea of meeting her friends pleased me. “Yeah. I’d like to meet Richard and his wife. And actually see your house.”
Try out some of the furniture.
She shared the sentiment. “That will have to wait until after dinner and drinks. They usually show up at seven, but you could come early and help me cook.”
“What should I wear?” I didn’t know how formal a dinner with a lawyer, even a friend, would be. Billie’s work attire was almost intimidating it was so expensive. Her tailored pants suit fit her perfectly, and she looked the proper businesswoman. That didn’t mean she looked like an accountant.
“It’s pretty casual. Don’t make a big fuss of it. They won’t care anyway.”
“So long as I show up clothed?” I tried to joke.
“That part wouldn’t matter much either.” I wasn’t sure what to make of that statement. Mentally reviewing my wardrobe, I started getting excited.
We parted with a kiss, lingering over it as long as I dared. With the nosy neighbor still asleep, we kissed in the street. “A flat tire would really be nice about now.” I jokingly suggested as I drew away.
Mentally, she agreed. “I’ll see you tonight.” Her eyes burned my back as I walked away. Only when my old Mazda fired up did she hop into her jeep. Her thoughts turned eagerly towards the conversation with Richard.
Lorren, Volstein and Marks was as pretentious as a successful law firm was expected to be. Occupying the entire top floor of one of the downtown business buildings and decorated at great expense, the firm deliberately created an atmosphere of power and authority. Useful, Billie conceded, but a bit much. Stepping off the elevator, Billie greeted the receptionist warmly. Lilian had been with the firm longer than Billie, and Billie both respected and liked the woman.
“Good morning Billie.” She smiled affectionately over her desk. “Mr. Lorren would like you to stop by his office first thing.”
“Did he ask before or after 8:00?” Billie quirked her eyebrows and grinned.
“After. But I don’t think it’s about being late. Want me to let him know you’re here?”
“No. I’ll surprise him.” She nodded and returned to the monitor.
Her office was in the very back with minimal distractions from clients and coworkers. She walked briskly down the long corridor, saying hello to the people she passed. In contrast to the rest of the firm, her office sported simple and functional furniture with little décor. A single photo of her and her sister pretending to throw their father into a river adorned the wall. Her mother stood out of sight behind the camera. Dropping her briefcase on an expansive desk, she took a moment to glance at her inbox. Nothing there was more urgent than seeing Richard, so she headed back the way she came.
As the foremost attorney in the firm, Richard had the biggest office. The door was cracked, and Billie knew Richard was alone. She knocked quietly as she opened the door wider. “Good morning, Richard.”
Richard was in his normal gregarious mood, a personality trait that had taken him far in his career. “Billie! Come in.” Unburying himself from his computer, he smiled brightly.
“Sorry I’m late.” She began, closing the door behind her.
His eyes lit up as he navigated around his desk. “Ha! Good sex should never be apologized for. Who is she?”
Billie hugged her friend. “Her name is Sadie, and she’s fantastic.”
He patted her on the back, “By the glow, I’d have guessed she’s Branwen.” He referenced the Celtic goddess of love and beauty. Richard revered the old gods and goddesses of Europe.
“That would be an excellent description.” Billie decided. “I met her on Friday, and we spent Saturday in the mountains.”
“Not just Saturday by the scent of it.” His eyes twinkled.
Billie grinned her reply. “She’s coming to dinner on Friday.”
He leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head. Kathryn called it his ‘Tell me everything!’ posture. “What’s she like?”
“You’ll have to meet her and find out.” Billie teased.
“Now what did I ever do to you?” He acted offended.
“Absolutely nothing. I just enjoy torturing you.”
“Sadist.” He grumbled.
“So what’s up? Lilian said you wanted to see me first thing.”
“One of our clients thinks we’re overbilling. They’re working with the new guy, Pearson, and there’s something about him that I don’t trust. Would you check him out quietly? Client accounts, logs, the works. Something is off, and I’d like to know what.”
“Sure. Want me to prioritize it over the reports you asked for on Friday?”
“Yes. I have a bad feeling about this. Prioritize it as much as you can. What’s your impression of him?”
“I haven’t interacted with him much, but my hackles rise a little. I’ll check into it right away.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem. Anything else?”
“That’s it, unless you’re willing to talk about Sadie.” He looked hopeful, but Billie dashed his hopes.
“Not a chance. But something happened last night.” Billie filled him in on the attack. “Sadie was my priority, so I didn’t call the Trackers. It started to rain right after, so their scent is long gone. I don’t think there’s anything that can be done about it. But I’m open to suggestions.”
“Without a way to identify them, there’s not much I can do. If I think of something, I’ll let you know.”
Billie nodded. “Thanks. It really shook Sadie up.”
His face grew sober in thought. “Do you think they’ll retaliate?”
“I doubt it. They’re just a couple of kids. I bruised them up pretty solid – nothing permanent, but they’ll feel it for a couple weeks. They wouldn’t dare even if they wanted to.”
Richard nodded, thoughtful. “Assault and Battery and Attempted Rape at such a young age. Makes you wonder where they’ll be in ten years.”
She’d considered that as well. “I agree with Jason’s policy, but I probably should have called the police anyway.”
“I understand how you feel, but I’ve seen that end very badly too many times. The policy is sound.”
“I know, which is why I didn’t. Right now I don’t like it.”
“I’ll run their descriptions by my police contact. See if anything turns up.”
“Thanks Richard.” Billie responded with a sigh. “I better get started on Pearson. He’s a smart one. If he is up to something, he won’t make it easy for me.”
“Probably not. One of the many reasons why I like having you as our accountant. You’re the best.” He grinned, punching her on the arm.
Billie returned to her office and started hunting.
I couldn’t remember a drearier day of work. It took a half hour to get into the swing of things, and even after that it all seemed too mundane. Glancing at my watch repeatedly, the hours ticked by at a fraction of their normal speed.
My normal routine consisted primarily of directing the crew, organizing the shipments and an endless stream of paperwork. Ordinarily it was moderately satisfying: figuring out the logistics and accomplishing a task. It sounded boring to most, but I knew the routine well and my days usually passed quickly. That day it just wouldn’t end.
Billie had intoxicated me, and I didn’t want to be at work. I couldn’t wait for the final minute to turn over and I could be with her again. I found myself staring at a computer screen at one point, reading the words but not registering a thing. Instead, a beautiful redhead occupied my thoughts.
Gary, the newest member of the crew, noticed. I knew little about him and even less that didn’t come from his application and interview. I’d been impressed with him immediately, for he was a naturally loyal person, and someone I knew I wanted on my team after less than a minute. One week on the job and I wasn’t disappointed. “Got a hot date?” I liked him – friendly and kindhearted, he was quick with a smile and pleasant towards all the other employees. He also was turning into an efficient and conscientious worker.
I smiled secretively. “Yes.” He caught the glow in my eyes.
Pausing a moment in his chore, he chuckled curiously. “What’s his name?”
It took a second for his comment to register. I hadn’t realized he didn’t know – everyone knew. Not all were okay with my being a lesbian, but company policy forbade them to do anything about it. A rare thing in Idaho. “Her name is Billie.” I emphasized the pronoun.
He didn’t hesitate and pressed a little further. “New girlfriend?”
I appreciated his honest interest, but wondered how everyone but he knew I was a lesbian and previously single. I leaned back and cocked my head, challenging him good naturedly. “You must not listen to the gossip around here. Yes. New girlfriend. We met this weekend.”
He shrugged. “Gossip is more often wrong than right. It’s always rude. Cool. Is she cute?”
Enjoying sharing her with someone, I responded. “She’s beautiful. She has red hair and the most amazing legs. She’s an accountant at a law firm.” I couldn’t help but show my pride.
He whistled at my words then wagged his finger at me. “Sounds like a keeper. Make her take you someplace nice.” I laughed, unwilling to tell him I’d rather stay in. “I better get back at it. Have fun.”
“Thanks.” The conversation, though pleasant, didn’t speed up my day. Fifty forms and a performance review later, the day finally ended. Clocking out, I felt Gary walk by and looked up in time to catch his wink as he passed.
“See you tomorrow.” He was happy for me and honestly wanted me to have a good time.
“Bye Gary.” I strode out the door and found my car. Shift change was always a nightmare in the parking lot, designed for a single crew without thought to the transition in between. Though usually patient, I drummed the steering wheel in my hurry, muttering under my breath. Twenty minutes later I pulled in behind Billie’s jeep, brushing her mind in hello.
Sitting on the front step of my simple home in her tailored business suit, she looked pleasantly out of place. The sight of her lifted my spirits.
Remind me to give you a key.
I approached her. “That would make it easier to surprise you with dinner already cooked. I brought you a present.” Lifting my eyebrows, she blew it off. “It’s not exactly romantic, and it’s as much for me as for you. After yesterday, I’ll sleep easier when I’m not here.”
Not even wrapped, I pulled a security bolt out of the bag – the kind that won’t break before the frame does. It was very thoughtful and protective, especially after the night before. I didn’t know how to express what I felt, so it was a good thing she could sense it anyway. “Billie. Thank you.” Somehow it was better than roses.
“And I brought a screwdriver, food and some oil. You are getting a massage tonight.”
“What do you get?” I kissed her, holding her chin between two fingers.
“You.” Her thoughts told me that was all she wanted.
“You’re spoiling me.” I warned her. “I might get used to it.”
“That’s the plan.” Her mind promised me much more to come.
We pulled more groceries out of her jeep than my house had ever seen at one time. “God, Billie. How much do you spend on food each month?”
She rolled her eyes dramatically. “You don’t want to know. And I don’t expect anyone outside the family to keep up with it, so no complaints about stocking your cupboards.”
I didn’t argue with that, and was financially glad she didn’t expect it of me. I would have done it in a heartbeat if I could still pay the rent, but what little I had to spare each month went to an old hospital bill. Every month they called me to say it was insufficient.
“So what’s on the menu tonight?”
“I brought lots of possibilities. Garlic chicken and stir-fried vegetables maybe. What are you in the mood for?”
“That sounds good. Some of the herb bread I saw would go well with that, and we can caramel a couple of pears for dessert.”
“Perfect.” She set about the kitchen and wouldn’t let me help. With her suit jacket off, I enjoyed the scene while she made dinner. No jewelry adorned her whatsoever. Her thin white blouse underneath made it clear that she wasn’t wearing a bra, even though she’d come directly from work. I imagined myself confirming that, reaching under her shirt and finding her breasts bare. As I fantasized about her nipples, they hardened and nudged against the silky material. That and a smug grin told me she was following my thoughts.
As she cooked, she chatted about her job, and it seemed just too mundane for someone like her. Spreadsheets and deadlines and an endless array of numbers. Still, it was obvious she enjoyed it, and I couldn’t argue with that.