Page 4 of Wishes for August
It had been a full four days of Mr Sunshine walking around the office cheerily getting to know everyone. He’d even brought in donuts one day, as if his constant cheeriness wasn’t enough sugar. And while I wasn’t softening to his sweetness, I could appreciate the eye candy. The man was hot as fuck - there was no denying that. And the way he smelled? Fucking divine, a direct line of sensory pleasure from my nose to my dick.
It was slightly after four when I headed to the staff kitchen to get my fourth cup of coffee of the day. The caffeine kept me amped and I needed the extra energy because it was a Thursday, and I had a standing date with Bran at the gym after work. Though Branson often joked that I was lazy, I did actually go to the gym and work out. A few times a week, sometimes more, more often less. I had enough sex during the week to keep me fit, or, at least, that was my argument anyway.
I walked into the staff kitchen - it was your standard office kitchen, white walls featuring generic art, a small breakfast bar along one window, two microwaves and a coffee machine - nothing special. What it did have going for it was the view. This side of the building boasted stunning views of the Thames and oftentimes, if I wasn’t heading out for lunch, I would take my break here and watch the world go by - joggers along the banks, boats on the water and buses making their way over Tower Bridge in the distance.
To my surprise, sitting at the bar, tapping away on his laptop was Caleb. He looked up when I entered and shot me a warm grin. He was looking put together and sexy, same as always. He was dressed in pressed navy chinos and a tight white shirt fitted to him like a second skin with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He was a vision sitting there with his beautiful forearms on display. I was very close to drooling. Not a dignified look for me at all. It took me a moment to realise that I was staring and Ishook myself out of my lustful thoughts but not before he quite clearly noticed. I watched as a crimson tint rose on his cheeks.
“Hi August, you ah, you doing okay?” he asked, his knee bouncing and his voice a tad shaky. I wondered if I made him nervous. If my eyes on him made him feel off kilter. He chewed his bottom lip while he waited for me to reply.
“Yep, all good thanks. Just grabbing a cuppa.” I motioned to the coffee machine, turning my back to him. I could sense Caleb behind me, could feel his eyes on me. He didn’t say anything and the only sound in the room was the buzz and drip of the coffee machine.
Moments ticked on in awkward silence. Most people in this situation would make small talk, ask about the other person’s weekend, anything to pass the time. That’s what my colleagues did whenever they were in the kitchen. Made small talk. But that wasn’t me. And usually the silence didn’t bother me but something about Caleb behind me had my pulse racing.
Why was this coffee machine taking so long?
Caleb broke the silence, clearing his throat before he spoke.
“I have been looking over some of our older portfolios and I really like the work you did on the Peterson project. Really impressive.” His voice, though quiet, was warm and disarming. My cheeks warmed at his praise and I turned towards him, my coffee now nestled in my hands.
“Um thanks?” Why did that come out as a question? My eyes trained in on his naked forearms and thoughts of what he would look like underneath his shirt ran through my mind. I rubbed the back of my neck, suddenly very aware of the slight perspiration there and of the feel of my heart beating rapidly in my chest.
“So do you….” he started just as I said, “Well, best be getting back to work.” I wasn’t easily rattled but something about the way he looked at me, really looked at me made me a little uneasy.Throw in the way my tongue was on its own mission to make me blurt out something wholly inappropriate to my boss and it was imperative I got the fuck out of there. I am not sure 'Can you take off your shirt? I want to see how pink your nipples are.'would have made a very good impression.
What the actual fuck August.
“Oh okay,” he said, frowning. I gave a subtle nod in his direction and walked back to my desk. Slumping in my office chair, I took a deep breath to try and wash away all thoughts of my sexy as sin boss. A note on my desk in Ruby’s scrawl told me I had missed a call from my client, Rebecca Adams and a quick glance at my emails showed me at least ten emails to deal with before I could finally call my day to a close. I closed my eyes and let out a groan.
“You alright there, August?” Ruby asked. Ruby was one of my only friends - and I used the term loosely - in the office. Well, her and my drinking buddy Brent. I liked her but she was very nosey and always in my business. She also talked a lot and I tried to listen but truth be told, I was a pretty shit friend at times.
“Just peachy Rubs” I replied, not straying away from the emails that needed my attention. Usually, it would be easy to dive into my work and think of nothing else but for some - annoying - reason, I couldn’t stop thinking about Caleb. What was it about him that had him popping into my mind so often? Why did my heart beat so rapidly when he looked at me? Just as I was starting to think I would get nothing more done for the day, another email came in.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Bennett Properties Proposal - Briefing
Hi August,
A friend of mine owns a hotel chain and he has asked if we would be interested in taking over the company's marketing campaigns. Obviously, this is a great opportunity for Manner’s Media. He has asked me to send over some mock ups and a portfolio of suggestions that he can show to his board. They will need this pretty soon.
I would really appreciate your input with this. Perhaps we could discuss when you are free?
Kind Regards,
Caleb
I looked at my watch. It was nearly five, time for me to leave and meet Bran at the gym but I decided to be proactive and reply before leaving.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Bennett Properties Proposal - Briefing
Caleb,
Sure, not a problem. I would be happy to put together some ideas. Let me know when you’re free to get together to discuss.