CHAPTER 6

 

CHAPTER 6

Maddie had been surprised by Spencer’s decision to not escort her home even while she was extremely grateful to not have had to share the dark back seat with him. If he had escorted her, she just hoped she would have had enough strength to ignore his deadly sex appeal until she could leave the car.

The weekend seemed both too short and too long. Maddie desperately wanted to go into the office and see if she would have the same physical reaction if she was in the same proximity as Spencer, especially without his touching her.

Maddie arrived at work a bit early only to find Spencer already behind his desk. She had her pad and pen in hand when she entered just in case, and sure enough, he had instructions for her. The last item on his list was to ask her for the Nordstrom receipts so he could authorize the expense.

“There are no receipts Spence. Saturday morning, I took back everything Sharon helped me purchase. As I’m sure you saw Saturday night, I have clothing that’s quite suitable for such events. There isn’t any need for the company to purchase appropriate clothing for me, especially since I think those funds could be better utilized in some other fashion, pun intended.” Maddie said with a laugh. “I know your company is doing well, but it really isn’t fair to spend money in such a way that doesn’t really benefit everyone.”

“Sharon believed it was a necessity.”

“Yes, and perhaps it was for her, but during my aunt’s life, I attended a number of functions that required proper clothing. My aunt was also very frugal, so I learned to choose clothing and accessories that might have been expensive at the time but were well-made and the kind of fashion that lasts. In fact, most of the clothing I’ve been wearing was originally my aunt’s. I know it’s a bit too large right now, but I hope to gain back the weight I lost while nursing her. I also like the fact it makes me feel close to my aunt plus, I’m practicing her frugality.

“As for funds, I do have money of my own and can afford to purchase whatever I might need for any occasion. I didn’t elaborate in our interview, but my aunt was an attorney with Clarkson, Jakes, Williams and Morgan…she was the Morgan in the firm. During her life she made good money and invested well. I was her only family and she left me everything including her house in Madison Park. Once I’d completed the terms of her will I sold that house because it held too many memories and bought my little bungalow on Queen Anne.”

“So, you don’t really need a job? You’re just working for the fun of it?” Spencer asked with a raised eyebrow.

“No, I could probably live comfortably without a job, but I need a job, this job, if you will. Taking care of my aunt took so much of my time for so long, I pretty much lost touch with all my friends. If I didn’t have a job, I’d probably waste away of loneliness.”

“I’m sure you could find something to keep you occupied. There’s always some kind of volunteer function for a wide variety of organizations. Or, you could travel, join some clubs, make some new friends. There has to be more interesting ways to utilize your time, Maddie.”

“Goodness, it sounds as though you’d like me to quit. I thought you were impressed by my skills and the work I did last week. Did I do something wrong Saturday evening? Did someone say something to you about me?”

Spencer had to clench his teeth to keep from shouting, “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” at the top of his lungs. He heaved a sigh and looked directly at Maddie said, “No, you didn’t do anything wrong and you did indeed impress me last week. I wouldn’t have hired you otherwise. The fact you don’t need to work just came as a surprise. I always thought that’s what people looked forward to and worked for, the ability to be able to do whatever they please with lots of free time.”

“I am doing as I please Spencer. I like your company and find the challenges offered by the job interesting and rewarding. I like the people who work here and already feel as though I’ve made a couple of friends; friends I could invite to dinner or attend a movie with. Last week was just the beginning for me, so I hope your new knowledge about me won’t interfere with my working for you.”

“No, no, of course not. As long as you’re happy and continue to do an exemplary job, you won’t have any complaints from me.”

“Great. I guess we’d best get to business. I’ll let you know if I’m able to arrange the meetings you want for tomorrow as soon as I’ve made the calls.

When Maddie closed the office door, Spencer leaned back in his chair and softly swore. For a few minutes there, he’d thought he’d be able to release Maddie from working for him. That would have allowed him to pursue her and see if the attraction he felt for her was as strong as it seemed to be. It would have also allowed him to see if she felt an attraction as well. Judging by her responses about working for him, she definitely wasn’t attracted. Well, he’d just have to make sure they didn’t spend much time together.

Seated behind her desk, Maddie breathed a sigh of relief. Spence had taken the news about her inheritance well and seemed to understand her need to work and remain in her position. She was proud of herself for being so calm, so patient when all she really wanted to do was to climb over Spence’s desk and into his lap. Ah well, that’s not going to happen she told herself. Get over it.

As the weeks and months passed, Spencer came to rely on Maddie more than he’d ever relied on an EA in the past. She was scary smart, almost seemed to have total recall of conversations and the ability to read information once and repeat it back. Not only did Spencer value Maddie’s contributions and knowledge, but other members of the company had come to count on her opinion or advice when Spencer wasn’t available.

The fact that Maddie had seamlessly taken on many of Spence’s responsibilities as she settled into her position and that staff also trusted her to provide answers previously provided by Spencer allowed him to spend more time away from the office. If you’d told him prior to hiring Maddie that this would have been possible, he would have laughed because he was a hands-on boss and preferred being in charge. Spence had to admit he’d come to value and trust Maddie’s abilities. In fact, he sometimes thought he’d become the Lorax figurehead rather than the boss.

Spencer went out of his way to make sure he didn’t touch Maddie. New clients, companies and contacts gave him all the excuses he needed to stay away from the office. Phone calls were their usual and almost daily contact. If Spencer went into the office, he generally tried to do it once he knew Maddie was gone for the day or before he knew she’d arrive. It wasn’t unusual for her to arrive at her desk to find a pile of papers and instructions he’d left the night before. Honest with himself, Spencer knew he used pretty much any valid excuse he could find to stay away from the office and Maddie.

As for Maddie, she came to treasure the fact Spencer and other staff trusted her so very much. She realized she was an actual number two to Spence’s number one. She relished that knowledge and hoped she’d never do anything to alter those perceptions and trust. Still, at times, Maddie found herself drifting just a bit when she thought about Spencer and the way his hand felt on her back at that first event.

 

Their avoidance of each other wasn’t difficult to achieve, even when one of the mandatory charity functions arose and Spencer needed Maddie to attend with him. He became used to the beautiful woman that showed up for these events even though her event appearance was like night and day to that of the office. Maddie made these events even easier by meeting him at the various locations, insisting a limousine was a poor use of company funds. After that first function, Maddie also wore garments that while fashionable showed less skin and/or stressed her sculpted figure. Thankfully, these events weren’t the norm and occurred only now and then.

Meanwhile, Maddie cemented her friendship with Annie and a couple other employees as well. She enjoyed sharing dinners, movies and time with these women. She also reached out to a couple of women who’d been her best friends in college. Lisa was a Microsoftie and loved her job. Teresa had found her true love and was mother to three adorable children. Maddie enjoyed renewing these friendships and found her life full of various events with these women as well as hosting dinners and a book club at her home.

True to his word, David MacGuire had called her at the office following that first event and invited her out. Maddie accepted and while she felt absolutely no attraction to David, she definitely enjoyed the dinners, his laughing and superficial pursuit of her time and attention as the months passed. In fact, Maddie had become a bit concerned about David’s attentions. What had begun as a good time with a fun guy seemed to be developing into a more serious interest on his part. She knew she wouldn’t be going there and had begun to think it was time to call a halt to their dating.

On what Maddie had decided would be her last date with David, Spence just happened to be in the office when he came to pick Maddie up for an early dinner to be followed by attendance at a play given by a touring company. She was looking forward to the company and the play, but not to the talk she planned to have at her house after. As she gathered up her things, she was laughing at something David said when Spence came out of his office.

“Well, hello David.” Spence said, moving to and shaking hands with him. “What brings you by? I didn’t realize we had an appointment.”

“Hi Spence. No, we don’t have an appointment. I’m here for Maddie. We’re off to dinner and then to see “Wicked” at the Paramount.”

Maddie felt Spence’s sudden tension and wondered why he’d gone from very relaxed to a heightened unease. “Was there something you needed Spencer. I’d be happy to stay and take care of whatever it is.”

“No, Maddie, everything’s just fine. You go on and have a good time. Nice to see you, David.” Spence responded as he re-entered his office and closed the door.

He leaned against the door and fought the mental images of Maddie in David’s arms, David’s bed, of her hair loose and spread across his pillow, languid and drowsy from David’s lovemaking. He hated these thoughts and the pictures they produced.

Get a grip man. Stop thinking about your executive assistant like that. You know you set the rules; and you know you have to abide by them. No matter how attracted you are to Maddie, you simply have to ignore that attraction. It’s business, just business. Now, either get to work or go home.

HAPPY, NOW SAD

           

Today was one of the happiest days of my life forty-six years ago. Today, it’s one of the saddest days of my life. It is the forty-sixth birthday of my youngest son. For the first time in all those years, I will not be making dinner for him nor will I be making a German chocolate cake.

          I’ve sent him a happy birthday emoji and wished him a wonderful day and a terrific year. I’ve wished him happy birthday on Facebook. He’s responded with a thank you. Later today I’ll call and talk to him if he answers his phone.

          Undoubtedly, I could go on for paragraphs or even pages about how or why our relationship has reached the stage at which it’s plateaued, but what would be the point. Undoubtedly, we are both to blame for the current status and it’s unlikely it will change any time soon.

          So, I’ll continue with my day, a day like any other now, and concentrate on the memories made in the years past as I attempt to not lament the potential of making new ones.

OOOPS

    

Well, it appears I didn't manage to make a post on Friday, February 20th. For shame. 

TIRED, TIRED, TIRED

               

Today seems to be a very down day. I slept for more than eight hours and still went back to bed for almost another two hours after getting up. I should feel enthusiastic and energized, but I. Do. Not.

          I don’t understand how I can feel so tired after getting so much sleep. In fact, I feel as though I could go back to bed and sleep some more. I don’t feel down or depressed, just tired and sleepy.

          So, I guess I’ll post this so I can say I posted something and go back to bed. Perhaps tomorrow will be a more energetic and fulfilling day.

I HATE DUSTING

               

Well, there’s not much to blog about today unless I can come up with a great topic. Actually, I’m attempting to avoid dusting…I haven’t dusted since mid-November. I’ve vacuumed, washed the floors, cleaned the bathroom, changed the bed, washed the couch covers and Kuma’s bed and cleaned up the kitchen, but I haven’t dusted…I HATE DUSTING!!!

          So, just imagine this soft gray film on every single flat surface in my home. Just imagine that gray film on all the stuff I have sitting around on those flat surfaces. I’ve a feeling I’m going to need more than one dust cloth as well as a couple of the Swiffer dusters…that is if I actually dust.

          I got everything out on Monday with the intention of dusting. I turned on the TV and put it on a series I’ve been watching. Well, I managed to dust one thing…the TV…and got caught up in the program which I watched until bedtime, with a couple breaks to get something to eat and drink.

          All the dusting paraphernalia remains in the living room as I type this. I can hear it calling my name; but, you know, I absolutely hate dusting. Guess I’m going to have to respond. At least once it’s done, I can ignore it again for a couple of months…based on my history, that would make it necessary along about May. Wish me luck.

NOW MY FEET ARE BAD

             

 Sheesh, if it isn’t one thing, it’s another. Yesterday I went to see my podiatrist…when you reach my age, you have an MD for just about every aspect of your body. Since I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet due to the breast cancer treatment, and developed diabetes years after that, my health history is of “concern.” So, I need to have my feet checked periodically. In any case, I wasn’t expecting anything other than, “Your feet look fine, keep up the good work.”, which has been the result of all my preceding visits.

          To make sure my feet remain in good condition, I never ever go barefoot except from my bed to the bathroom. The rest of the time, I wear shoes or slippers. That way, I’m not apt to cut my foot or do some other kind of damage. Fortunately, the scabs that appeared on my left toes last month…the result of Kuma’s claws being too long and landing on my toes…fell off just this past week otherwise, I’d have received a lecture.

          Last August, my podiatrist had his assistant perform an ABI test on my feet. I don’t know what ABI actually stands for, but it’s a way to test the arterial blood flow in my legs. At that time, there wasn’t a problem and the blood flow was great…lucky me. Well, the ABI yesterday told a different tale. The podiatrist showed me the graph and all my numbers were RED. Now, this is very serious and means the blood flow to my feet isn’t good AT ALL.

          Considering all the prescription medications I’m taking, I do not understand how the result of these ABIs can be so very different in just six months. In any case, it’s not something to ignore and so a referral to a vascular specialist has been requested. I have no idea what the results of that referral might be, but I guess I’ll just have to pay attention and follow instructions…I really don’t want to lose either or both of my feet.

          So, just in case you’re keeping track, in 2026, I’ll be getting new hearing aids, cataracts removed, crown replaced, and now, perhaps stents in the arteries in my legs. If this kind of stuff keeps up, I may end up having a lot of my parts replaced. It makes me wonder if the middle section of my body will ever come under scrutiny…I’d love a much smaller waist and a bigger butt!!!

CHAPTER 5

 CHAPTER 5

Thursday morning came much too quickly and it was apparent to Maddie that Sharon had a hang-over. Still, the woman escorted her to Nordstrom, changed the account over to Maddie’s name, and advised her on the proper apparel for the coming Saturday night. Maddie was appalled at the amount of money spent on the dress, shoes and accessories. Sharon insisted, however, that it was a routine practice for events like the one she’d be attending. Maddie also decided she and Spence would have a conversation about this practice in the near future.

Friday’s dinner celebration wasn’t much of one. Both Sharon and Spence seemed uncomfortable and it didn’t last as long as the dinner Maddie had had with Sharon earlier in the week. Maddie did notice that Sharon was much more careful about the amount of alcohol she drank. She also noticed that Spence ordered the same Scotch as she did and like her, kept it to one. Maddie was more than happy to bid both individuals good night after reassuring Spence she’d be ready by 8:00 pm the following night.

Maddie spent Saturday morning doing errands which included returning all the items that had been purchased at Nordstrom on Thursday. She found the very idea of the company paying such exorbitant sums for clothing for one night appalling. And, okay, it wasn’t thousands and thousands, but it was funds that could be better utilized in some fashion within the company. She had plenty of good clothing from which to choose or she could afford to go buy something herself if she needed something more appropriate.

Once the week’s groceries had been put away, Maddie ran herself a bath and used some of the gardenia bath salts she loved. It had been a long time since she had prepared herself for a date, although tonight wasn’t really a date, but still, it felt good to be pampering herself with the goal of looking splendid by the time Spence came to fetch her. She supposed he would have a limo and perhaps she needed to talk to him about the use of those as well. He certainly didn’t seem to adhere to being frugal no matter how many numbers appeared on his computer screens.

Ready and waiting, Maddie smoothed her hand down the soft velvet of the long cape she wore in lieu of a coat. She enjoyed the feel of the soft material, however, the very thin leather gloves she pulled on over her hands felt just as good. She had always known she had a sensuous nature and speculated her sense of touch was quite possibly stronger than any of her other senses. When Maddie saw the limo pull up in front of her house, she opened the door, checked the lock and moved toward the car.

Spence was surprised not only by Maddie being ready to go, but also by the cloak she was wearing and his surprise increased as he helped her into the car. She seemed to know exactly how to handle all the material, as if she’d worn that type of outwear often. Amazingly, even though she was wearing gloves, when he took her hand to help her into the car, there was still a zing. It made him wonder what the cape concealed. Settled in the back of the limo, they exchanged greetings and while Maddie had prepared herself with as much information about the event as possible, she still had some questions.

“Spencer, I was wondering if you had any ground rules when it comes to your EA attending this type of occasion? Are there any individuals you want me to talk to? I guess I just want to know what your expectations might be?”

“To be perfectly honest, I could attend by myself, but then I’d have all kinds of women trying to match me up with someone and I’m definitely not interested in having that happen. All I’d like you to do is to have a good time, talk to whomever you’d like and, of course, if you learn anything that might benefit the company, that would be great.”

“That sounds fairly easy.”

“One other thing and that’s regarding alcohol. You may drink however much or whatever you like as long as you don’t overdo.”

“You don’t have to worry about my drinking too much. I’ve always been very careful. One glass of wine and I get a little silly. Two glasses and I get very silly and three; well, whoever supplies that third glass could undoubtedly have their way with me.” Maddie responded with a chuckle. “I don’t think I’ve ever been really drunk, not even in college.”

For some reason, Maddie’s laughing comment about having three drinks resulting in someone having their way with her left Spencer thinking seriously about how he could entice her to have that third drink. Those thoughts make his tie just a little too tight. And even though they weren’t sitting thigh to thigh, the atmosphere in the back of the limo seemed charged to him in some way. He wondered if Maddie felt it as well, or if she’d felt the same zing he’d felt through her gloves.

Maddie was also aware of how the very air seemed to hold some form of energy. She’d managed to conceal her hand beneath her cape and rub it on her thigh. It really didn’t make any sense for there to be whatever it was between her and Spencer. She hadn’t even known him a week, but his touch just on her hand made her nipples harden and her imagination run wild. She could barely look at his face because she wanted to stare at his lips.

Neither one of them seemed to have much to say after Spencer had provided his expectations, so they completed the ride in silence. At the hotel, Spencer helped her out of the car and placed her hand on his arm as they entered and proceeded to the ballroom. In front of the cloakroom, Maddie released the cape’s clasp and Spencer removed it prepared to hand it over to the young woman behind the counter. For a few seconds, he couldn’t move because he was hypnotized by what the cape’s removal revealed. Maddie’s arms and back were completely bare right down to her bottom with only strings that criss-crossed the length of that bare skin. At her bottom, the silky black material flowed all the way down to black stilettos.

“Sir, sir, did you want to give me that garment?” released Spencer from his wide-eyed stare at Maddie’s back.

“Oh, yes. Please.” He responded with a small head shake.

Spencer cleared his throat and moved up to stand beside Maddie. He placed his hand in the small of her bare back to guide her into the ballroom. If the touch of hands had made him feel a zing, his entire hand on her almost completely bare skin made his entire arm and perhaps his entire body go on high alert. His cock even twitched which was something that had never happened with any woman previously.

As they moved forward to be greeted by their host and hostess, Spencer could tell that Maddie had either been well-instructed as she grew up or she had attended other events like this one. She smiled and said all the right things, as Spencer introduced her as his new EA. It was during the introductions he got to see the front of Maddie’s amazing dress. A halter top covered her entire chest like a second skin and hugged her torso until it reached the top of the front of a short gathered skirt which left at least half of her beautifully toned thighs bare. Long dangly earrings that appeared to be diamonds or very well-made imitations brought one’s attention to her neck, face and the tendrils of hair that appeared to just have fallen from the loose bun at her neck’s nape. Spencer realized Maddie was a gorgeously beautiful woman. He also realized he desired her more than any other woman he’d ever been with.

In the ballroom, Spencer went to acquire drinks for them only to return and find Maddie in earnest conversation with David MacGuire, a venture capitalist who had a reputation for being a ladies’ man. Spencer handed Maddie her drink, shook hands with David and listened as they continued their conversation about the stock market. David was insisting Maddie should sell all her shares in the Stockton Company and Maddie was insisting right back that the company was sound and would soon see a rise in the worth of each share.

“It’s not the time to sell, David, it’s the time to buy. You wait. You’ll be sorry you sold your shares. Be sure to call me so I can say I told you so.”

“For that I’d need your number sweetheart.” David responded with what Spence considered a leer.

“You can reach me at Spencer’s company. I’m his new EA.”

“Well, well, well, aren’t you the lucky one Spence.” David grinned, winked and slapped Spencer on the back. “If I were you, I’d be looking forward to going to work every single day as well as hate having the day end.”

“Guess Maddie’s lucky I’m not you, David. She’d probably find it extremely hard to do her job while you chased her around the desk.”

David laughed heartily while Spencer again placed his hand on Maddie’s back and urged her forward. They moved around the ballroom reception area, sipping their drinks and nibbling on hor d’ouevres. When the ballroom doors opened, they moved with the crowd, found their table and sat down.

By this time, Maddie’s close proximity, the light and pleasant scent that drifted to Spencer from her skin, his hand on her back or her hand on his arm had Spencer aroused to the point he wanted to toss Maddie over his shoulder and find the nearest dark and quiet spot to ravish her. He’d never felt this way in his entire life and was totally mystified by his reaction to this woman. The evening had barely begun, but Spencer was ready to have it end, to have such tempestuous thoughts removed from his mind. He forced himself to turn to the woman on his other side and make conversation. Even then, his entire left side seemed electrified and totally aware of Maddie just inches away.

Maddie’s thoughts and her body’s reaction to Spencer being so near was like nothing she’d experienced before. She was aware of every single cell and each time his hand came in contact with her bare back, she could feel the heat spread throughout her body. That heat made her aware of her nipples hardening and her sex becoming engorged and her panties wet. She hoped Spencer was unaware of her response to him because she didn’t want to lose her job the way Sharon had. Maddie was extremely grateful when they finally sat down to dinner and he wouldn’t feel the need to touch her as he directed her around. Still, even though she turned her entire attention to the very nice gentleman on her left, she could feel a pull from Spencer’s body on her right.

Finally, the evening was over and Maddie’s body was safe from Spencer’s touch beneath her all-encompassing velvet cloak. When the limo arrived to pick them up, Spencer helped her into the car and told the driver to take her home.

“You’re not coming?” Maddie asked, looking up at Spencer’s face. While she waited for answer, she noticed how hard he seemed to be clenching his jaw.

“No, Maddie. I have a few things I need to take care of. I hope you don’t mind. I really appreciated you attending with me tonight. I’ll see you in the office on Monday. Good night.” And Spencer closed the door.

As the limo drove off, Spencer heaved a huge sigh. There had been no way he could have climbed into that car, into that dark and comfortable back seat and sat there breathing in Maddie’s scent and not have accosted her before the car was down the block. He turned and began to walk, wondering how he was going to manage working with her come Monday. There had to be some way to ignore his body’s response when near her. He even wondered if he’d need to fire her and hire Sharon back.