Carol’s small noises of pleasure mixed with Jeff’s deep groans

Monday:

Jeff said, “Thanks for coming over. I think I’m doing something wrong. Can you help me?”

“Sure,” Carol replied, “What’s going on?”

“When I try to import a new document into the system, I’m getting this weird error message. I’m not sure what it means.”

“Let’s take a look. Oh, I see what that is. You aren’t doing anything wrong – it’s a bug in the system. I’ve reported it a hundred times, but I know they’re never going to fix it. Here, take out the question mark and it will save.”

He looked slightly taken aback, but only for a moment. “Ah, no false promises for the newcomer! I like that. Developers are the same everywhere, aren’t they? Can’t get them to fix anything once they’ve handed off the system.”

“You got that right. Have a good day.”

***

Tuesday:

As Carol stared out her office door, trying to think of the right word to use in an email, she saw Jeff walk by. He said “hi” as they made eye contact. An hour later, she went to get a cup of coffee and found him in the break room. They chatted for a few minutes about the weather. In the afternoon, she was helping another co-worker with a computer problem and saw Jeff in someone’s office chatting and laughing loudly. She stayed there and made small talk with the co- worker she was helping until she saw Jeff leave, then followed him back to his office.

“Oh, hi, Jeff. How’s it going? Learning the ropes yet?”

“Yea, things are falling into place. What I don’t know, I just ask someone.”

Carol smiled. “I figured you must have the hang of things already, because I see you walking around a lot. Most new people spend every minute in their office for a few weeks until they feel more comfortable with the system and the procedures here.”

Jeff shrugged. “It’s just a job, you know? I figure why slave away until you kill yourself? It all seems to work out without me busting my butt.”

“I think so too. I used to be totally anal about things getting done on time, until I noticed that I was the only one forcing the issue. I mean, I would stay late getting a specs document cleaned up for a deadline, and then when I submitted it no one even read it for two weeks! When I think of the overtime I used to put in …. Let’s just say we’re on the same page here. You figured it out a lot quicker than I did.”

“Well, jobs are the same everywhere,” Jeff replied. “I’ve learned this lesson over and over at other places I’ve worked and figured it would be the same here. My first two weeks were enough time to show me I was right.”

***

Wednesday:

Carol arrived early and watched for Jeff to arrive and put his lunch in the office fridge. She walked up to the fridge behind him, then looked around in her bag and said “Oh! I forgot my lunch. Damn, I get really foggy in the afternoon if I miss lunch. Guess I’ll have to go out. Oh, hi, Jeff, didn’t see you standing there. Hey, would you like to go to lunch today?”

“Well, I brought a lunch -”

“Oh, of course, I’m sorry -”

“- but it will keep. Sure, let’s go out.”

At noon, they went out to lunch. Since Jeff was new to the area, Carol chose a cozy Italian place close to work. They ordered pastas and conversed about work for a while, then Carol asked, “What made you decide to move here, Jeff?”

“I’d have to say it was my marriage, really. As it went downhill, my work performance suffered, until I could tell they were looking for one last straw to justify letting me go. As it happens, my wife was doing the same thing. We divorced and I quit my job on the same day, and moved here to make a fresh start. That was two months ago.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. That must have been painful.”

“A couple of years ago it was painful – after that I was mainly numb. I actually feel better and more alive now than I have in years. Don’t worry, I’m fine,” Jeff replied.

“Yes, you are,” Carol murmured under her breath. “Hmm? Oh, I said look – our food is here.”

***

Thursday:

Carol thought about inviting Jeff to lunch again, but didn’t want to come on too strong. She was pleased when Jeff stopped by her office and said, “I enjoyed lunch yesterday. We’ll have to do it again soon.”

“I’d like that.”

“Are you busy after work today?” he continued. “I thought maybe we could go get some drinks at this little place I’ve found. It’s a real gem, non-smoking and laid out well so that you don’t feel crowded, even when the place is busy.”

“Sure, sounds good!” Carol replied.

At quitting time Carol followed Jeff to the little pub. It was indeed a jewel, with dark wood paneling and tasteful decor, and some of the best martinis she’d had in a while. Over their second round, Jeff asked Carol, “What’s your life like outside of work hours?”

“I’m married,” she said, “but don’t get the wrong idea. We haven’t really been a couple for years. We’re only staying together for the children’s sake. Oh god, that sounds like such a cliche. I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize. Cliches become cliches because they express a universal truth. You can’t help it if your experience is similar to so many others’ in the world.”

“Thanks for understanding. I guess we both know something about unhappy relationships, don’t we?”

“We sure do. Carol, I hope I’m not being too forward – but my apartment is just around the corner. Would you like to come over for a while?”

Carol considered for a moment, then replied, “Yes, I really would. Let’s get out of here.”

When they arrived at Jeff’s apartment, Carol looked around admiringly. “Very tasteful and welcoming.”

“Thank you. Would you like a drink?”

“No, thanks. Two is my limit if I plan on staying awake.” She smiled.

Jeff sat on the couch and removed his tie. “Here, join me,” he said, patting the seat beside him. Carol sat down and leaned against his chest. Jeff put his arms around her and gently kissed her lips. “Is that okay?”

“Mmm, better than okay.” She kissed him, more forcefully. He caressed her shoulders and back. Their tongues danced as their kisses became more intimate.

Carol sat back and rubbed her hands along Jeff’s chest. “I love these dress shirts you wear. But let’s get this off now.” She unbuttoned the shirt and he helped her remove it. “Oh, such nice muscles under there. I knew there would be.”

“Your turn,” he replied, and unbuttoned her blouse. When it was open he kissed her neck and breasts as she removed her shirt. “Yum.” He kissed her lips again while fondling her breasts, then slowly moved his hand down her body. He paused before opening her skirt. “I’m not moving too fast for you, am I?”

“No,” she replied, “I’ve been dreaming of this moment since we first met.” She unbuttoned her skirt and guided his hand inside her panties. “I would love for you to touch me there.” He plunged a finger inside her, cutting off her gasp with a deep kiss at the same time. “Oh yes, finger fuck me,” she pleaded as she reached for his belt. She unbuckled it and opened his pants, then reached in and found his hard cock.

His finger motion barely faltered as he threw his head back in delight. “Carol, oh god, that feels good.” He kissed her lips again as they stroked each other.

Carol’s small noises of pleasure mixed with Jeff’s deep groans as they each got closer to climax. Before the point of no return, Jeff pulled away. Wordlessly he removed his pants and underwear, and pulled Carol’s skirt and panties off. She watched him expectantly as he put on a condom, then lowered himself over her and slowly entered her. She welcomed him by wrapping her legs around his, and lifted her hips to meet each thrust.

“Mmm”– “Oh” — “Mmm”– “Oh” — “Mmm”– “Oh” — “Mmm”– “Oh” – “Oh” – “Oh, Jeff, ohhhhhhhhhhh”! “Mmmmmmmmm, yes, Carol!”

They remained on the couch for a while, recovering. “Jeff, you were wonderful. That was even better than I hoped it would be.”

“I felt it too, Carol. It’s like there’s a connection between us. It was better than any first time has a right to be.”

They snuggled a little longer, then Carol said “I need to be getting home. See you at work tomorrow.” They exchanged a final kiss and then got dressed.