about you . Her skin was on fire, unable to concentrate on anything else, she couldn’t wait to see him. But was it a mistake to continue this way? She didn’t want either of them to get fired, so their relationship would have to be kept hidden. She didn’t like the idea of not being honest and open in the workplace, especially with Tashida. Was she willing to risk everything for him?
Cherilyn found herself wishing the economy was better so she could get job with another firm easily. But should she leave a good paycheck and benefits, all she had worked for up to this point for this - whatever it was they were doing? She couldn’t really call it dating or a relationship, much as she’d like to, and what if it didn’t work out what then?
Cherry knew it was stupid to get romantically involved with someone from work. And what were they now to each other anyway, just temporary sex partners? Maybe that’s all he thought of her. But then why did she feel so good when she was with him?
Still , no matter how many worries she had or practical reasons she came up with why it was better not to, Cherilyn knew she’d go to his apartment. She couldn’t stop herself from going to him.
When she arrived at Marcus’ place she slipped easily into his arms. His kiss, passionate and wanting, was also long and slow and sweet and patient. To her there was emotion behind the kiss, real feelings, not just lust.
They fell quickly into bed, unable to hold back.
Later they sat in bathrobes eating dinner by candlelight. Marcus served meatballs and spaghetti. “I’m sorry; I had this romantic dinner planned.”
“This is romantic.” Cher ilyn took the glass of wine he offered her.
“I thought I could control myself better, you know, have dinner first . But damn woman you have a definite effect on me. I hope you know how much you mean to be.”
Cherry chok ed on a meatball.
Marcus slapped her on the back. “Cherry- you okay?” She had quick vision of herself in an ambulance in nothing but a robe, Marcus also, and having to explain herself in the ER. It made her a little light -headed.
Marcus brought her a glass of water. Cherry took a long drink and tried to regain her composure. “I’m okay,” she smiled at him trying to appear casual as if his words hadn’t just sent shock waves through her. “Did you cook this yourself?”
He laughed, “That’s what you want to know? To be honest - no. I picked it up at this little Italian place I know. We should go there sometime.”
She was glad there were no more meatballs. “You mean out in public?”
“Ashamed to be seen with me?”
“No, but- you know if anyone from work saw us out together the gossip would get back. It’s against company policy to fraternize, no relationships, no in-office dating.”
Marcus handed her a piece of garlic bread. “This is true, but, I don’t want to date you in the office just outside of it.”
“But, if Edna Daines ever-”
“I definitely don’t want to date Edna Daines.”
Cher ilyn shook her head and laughed momentarily picturing Edna and Marcus. “That’s not what I meant. But if there’s even the hint of impropriety one or both of us could get fired. Generally, though, it’s the underling that gets the boot.”
“Well,” Marc us lifted up her chin and trailed kisses across her neck. “I don’t want you to get fired.” His hand slipped inside her robe warm against her breast. “What if we keep things professional at work, then after work…”
“Yes?”
“Can we keep seeing each other?”
“I’d like that.” A lot, she wanted to add.
Cherry reached inside his robe and ran her hands up his back. She loved the feel of his skin. At times she couldn’t even put a conscious