Office hours

Chapter 1

I stared out the office window, watching raindrops race down the glass. My phone screen glowed with another dating app notification. Twenty new messages. My stomach tightened as I clicked through them.

"Hey beautiful, did it hurt when you fell from heaven?" Delete.

"Want to see something amazing?" accompanied by a photo I wished I could unsee. Delete.

"You're too pretty to be single." Delete.

The messages blurred together, a parade of desperate attempts and crude comments. I shifted in my ergonomic chair, which had long ago lost its comfort, and rubbed my temples.

A coworker's laughter echoed from the break room. Through the glass partition, I glimpsed them sharing jokes over coffee. I hadn't joined them in weeks, maybe months. The thought of small talk exhausted me.

My phone buzzed. Another notification.

"Just looking for fun, no strings attached ;)" Delete.

I closed the app and put my phone away, focusing instead on the stack of reports on my desk. The dating profiles felt like a mistake - each message chipped away at whatever confidence I'd mustered to create them in the first place.

"Hey Sarah, can you check these numbers?" Mark from accounting dropped a folder on my desk without waiting for a response.

"Sure." I pulled the folder closer, grateful for the distraction.

But my eyes drifted back to the window, to the gray sky beyond. Three years since David. Three years of empty messages and failed connections. The rain streaked down faster now, matching the hollow feeling in my chest.

I opened the dating app one last time, hovering over the delete account button. The screen reflected my face - features that others called striking but only ever seemed to attract the wrong attention.

Click. Account deleted.

The relief was immediate, like setting down a heavy bag I'd carried too long. I turned back to Mark's numbers, but the rainy window kept drawing my gaze, a mirror for the blur my life had become.

Another knock pulled me from my brooding. Linda from HR stood in my doorway, but my attention fixed on the woman beside her. Sunlight streaming through the window caught golden highlights in her honey-brown hair, which fell in soft waves past her shoulders. Her white blouse draped perfectly across her curves, and a navy pencil skirt hugged her hips. She had legs that seemed to go on forever, ending in classic black heels.

But it was her smile that struck me hardest - bright, genuine, reaching all the way to eyes that sparkled with warmth and mischief. My heart skipped a beat.

"Sarah, this is Rachel, our new junior analyst." Linda gestured between us. "Rachel just graduated from State. Would you mind going over the staff training procedures with her? I know you're the best at explaining our systems."

Rachel's smile widened. "I've heard great things about you already." Her voice carried a playful lilt that made my cheeks warm.

"Of course, happy to help." I straightened in my chair, suddenly aware of my slouched posture. My hand automatically went to smooth my hair.

"Perfect, I'll leave you two to it then." Linda gave a quick nod and disappeared down the hall.

Rachel stepped into my office, her heels clicking against the floor. A subtle floral scent drifted in with her. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important?" She perched on the edge of my desk, closer than I expected.

My mouth went dry. "No, just reviewing some reports. Nothing that can't wait."

I tried to focus on the training materials, but my eyes kept drifting to Rachel's legs. The way she sat on my desk, her skirt riding up just enough to reveal more thigh. Heat crept up my neck. My body reacted in ways I hadn't felt in years, an ache building between my legs. I crossed them tightly, hoping to hide my growing arousal.

"So these are all the standard procedures?" Rachel leaned closer to look at my screen, her perfume enveloping me.

"Y-yes." I shifted in my chair, my panties growing damp. "Each department has their own subset of protocols."

Rachel twirled a strand of hair around her finger. "How long have you been showing newbies the ropes?"

"Five years now." I gripped my armrest, trying to steady my voice. "Started right after college myself, fifteen years ago"

"Fifteen years? You don't look old enough." She tilted her head, those sparkling eyes studying me. "Must have been quite the journey. Anyone special sharing it with you?"

My cheeks burned hotter. "No, not for a while now."

"Their loss." Rachel's smile turned playful. "A beautiful woman like you, all alone? That's criminal."

I tucked my hair behind my ear, heart pounding. "I... um... we should probably focus on the training..."

"Of course." She winked. "But maybe we could continue this over coffee sometime? I'd love to hear more about your journey here."

The invitation sent butterflies through my stomach. "That would be... nice."

"It's a date then." Rachel slid off my desk, her movement deliberate and graceful. "Looking forward to working closely with you, Sarah."

My whole body tingled at the way she said my name. I uncrossed and recrossed my legs, trying to ignore the wetness between them, praying she couldn't tell how affected I was by her presence.

Just as Rachel reached the door, her phone rang. She pulled it from her purse, her bright expression darkening.

"Ugh, it's my stupid boyfriend."

My stomach dropped. Boyfriend. Of course she had one. I sank deeper into my chair, trying to mask my disappointment.

Rachel answered with a sharp "What?" Her jaw clenched as she listened. "No, I'm at work... I told you this morning... Because it's my first day, remember?" She rolled her eyes. "Whatever, I can't talk right now."

She ended the call and turned back to me. "Mind if I vent for a second? I could really use some wisdom from someone who's been around longer than me."

I nodded, my mouth going dry as she returned to perch on my desk. This time she sat sideways, her skirt riding up dangerously high, exposing the curve of her outer thigh and hints of her ass cheek. I forced my eyes to stay on her face.

"He's just..." Rachel ran fingers through her hair. "He's always angry lately. Everything sets him off. Last night he came home wasted again, knocked over my favorite vase, then blamed me for putting it where he could bump into it."

She crossed her legs, the movement making her skirt inch higher. "I mean, he used to be fun. Now he just sits around drinking with his friends, gets mad when I want to go out dancing or try new restaurants." Her lip quivered. "Sorry, I shouldn't dump all this on you. It's just... you seem like someone who would understand."

My heart ached for her, even as desire pooled in my belly. "It's okay. Sometimes we need to let it out."

"Thank you." She placed her hand on mine. The touch sent electricity through my arm. "It's nice having someone actually listen."

Rachel's hand lingered on mine, her thumb brushing across my knuckles. "So, what are your plans after work?"

I swallowed hard, trying to focus through the haze of arousal clouding my mind. "Just the usual. Quick stop at the gym, then home. Glass of wine and whatever's on TV."

"Sounds lonely." She leaned closer, her perfume making my head spin. "My boyfriend's out with his drinking buddies again tonight. Why don't you skip the gym and join me for drinks instead? Help me celebrate my first day?"

My heart hammered against my ribs. "I... yes, that would be nice."

"Perfect." Her smile turned wicked. "Fair warning though - I'm a terrible lightweight. Two drinks and I'm anybody's." She released my hand to play with her necklace, drawing attention to her cleavage. "You might have to take me home and put me to bed."

Heat flooded between my legs. I bit the inside of my cheek hard, fighting the overwhelming urge to slip my hand beneath my desk and touch myself. The ache was almost unbearable.

"I'll... keep that in mind." My voice came out breathier than intended.

"Meet me in the lobby at five?" She stood, smoothing her skirt with deliberate slowness. "I know this cute little wine bar a few blocks away."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

"It's a date then." She winked and sauntered out, her hips swaying with each step.

I gripped my armrests, thighs pressed together, struggling to catch my breath. What had I gotten myself into?

Chapter 2

The wine bar nestled between two brick buildings, its warm glow spilling onto the sidewalk through frosted windows. Inside, exposed wooden beams crossed the ceiling, and vintage wine bottles lined shelves along exposed brick walls. The intimate space held only a handful of tables, most empty at this early hour.

Rachel led me to a cozy corner table beneath a wrought iron chandelier. "What do you think? It's my secret hideaway when I need to escape."

I glanced at my watch. "I don't usually drink before seven..."

"Oh come on." Rachel's fingers brushed my arm, sending shivers down my spine. "Live a little. Rules are meant to be broken." Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she flagged down the server. "A bottle of prosecco, please."

The leather booth creaked as Rachel slid closer, our thighs almost touching. "So, tell me about yourself. What does Sarah do when she's not training helpless new hires?"

My cheeks warmed under her intense gaze. "I... well, I read a lot. Historical fiction mostly. And I'm embarrassingly addicted to those British period dramas."

"Ooh, Bridgerton?" Rachel's eyes lit up. "I binged both seasons in a weekend. All that repressed desire..." She bit her lip, studying my face.

The server returned with our prosecco. Rachel's fingers brushed mine as she handed me a glass, the contact making my skin tingle.

"What else?" She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Any secret talents? Hidden passions?"

My mind raced with thoughts I shouldn't be having. This felt exactly like a date - the intimate setting, the getting-to-know-you questions, the lingering touches. But Rachel had a boyfriend. I needed to stop reading into things.

"I paint sometimes. Abstract stuff, nothing special." I took a large sip of prosecco, trying to calm my nerves. "And I volunteer at an animal shelter on weekends."

"An artist with a heart of gold." Rachel's knee pressed against mine under the table. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"

The prosecco burned in my throat as Rachel's question hung in the air. My face felt hot, and I shifted in my seat, trying to create space between our touching knees.

"Single life must be treating you well though. Beautiful woman like you must have guys lining up." Rachel topped off my glass without asking.

I stared into the bubbles. "Not really. Been single for a few years now."

"No way. How is that possible?" Her perfume wafted closer as she leaned in. "You must be picky then. What's your type?"

My fingers twisted the stem of my glass. "I don't... I mean, lately..." The words stuck in my throat.

"Come on, spill. Tall? Dark? Handsome?" Rachel's eyes danced with curiosity. "Give me something here."

I drained my glass, letting the alcohol bolster my courage. "Actually, I've been more interested in... women lately."

Rachel's eyebrows shot up. "Oh." She sat back slightly, studying my face. "How lately is lately?"

"Past year or so." My voice came out barely above a whisper. "Still figuring things out."

"Have you been on any dates? With women?"

I shook my head. "Just the dating apps. But I deleted those today."

"Is that why you were so flustered earlier?" Rachel's smile returned, softer now. "When I caught you on your phone?"

Heat crept up my neck. "Sort of. The messages were getting overwhelming."

"I bet they were." Rachel's knee pressed against mine again. "So what's your type then? In women?"

I stammered, my face growing hotter by the second. "I don't really have a type, per se. I'm just... open to exploring and seeing what feels right."

Rachel's hand came to rest on my thigh, her fingers gently kneading. "So, hypothetically, would a slim, twenty-two year old coworker be your type then?"

My breath caught in my throat as her touch sent electric sparks through my body. "I... I mean, hypothetically, I suppose..." The words tumbled out, my tongue tripping over itself.

Rachel's fingers continued their tantalizing massage, inching higher on my thigh. I squirmed in my seat, feeling the unmistakable dampness in my panties as arousal coursed through me.

"Because I think," Rachel leaned in close, her breath hot against my ear, "that you are insanely hot, Sarah."

She pulled back slightly, her eyes smoldering as they raked over my body. "I mean, your breasts..." She bit her lip. "They're perfect. And don't even get me started on your eyes. I could get lost in them for days."

My heart continued to race as Rachel's hand continued its torturous path along my thigh.

"That smile of yours," she continued, her voice low and sultry, "it's infectious. Lights up the whole damn room." Her eyes drifted down to my lips before snapping back up. "And your ass in those skirts you wear... let's just say I'm going to have a hard time focusing on work."

A whimper escaped my throat as Rachel's fingers brushed the edge of my skirt. Every nerve in my body felt like it was on fire, screaming for more of her touch.

I jerked back, breaking Rachel's touch. "Wait. You have a boyfriend. This isn't right."

Rachel pouted, her lower lip jutting out. "Mark's an idiot. I've been thinking of leaving him anyway." She leaned closer, her breath warm against my ear. "What harm could starting my next relationship a little early do?"

Her voice dropped to a seductive whisper. "I know exactly how good I could make you feel."

My resolve crumbled. Her breath making my skin tingle with anticipation. I tried to protest, "I'm thirty-five. I'm too old to—"

My words caught in my throat as Rachel's hand slid up my skirt, her touch sending electric shivers through my body. One finger traced a delicate love heart on my panties, right over my aching core, the thin fabric doing little to dull the sensation. I could feel how wet I was becoming, my breath growing ragged as her fingertip continued its teasing dance. The heat between my legs intensified with each gentle stroke, and my mind clouded with desire despite my better judgment.

"Too old?" Rachel breathed into my ear. "You feel anything but old right now."

Her finger continued its torturous path, gentle and precise, making me tremble.

I was lost in a haze of pleasure when a sharp ringtone pierced the moment. Rachel pulled her hand back, fishing her phone from her purse. Her face darkened as she checked the screen.

"Mark." She jabbed the reject button with her thumb. "God, he's so needy."

My body still thrummed with arousal, my chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. I pressed my thighs together, trying to regain some composure, but the ache between my legs wouldn't subside.

Rachel's hand disappeared under the table again, finding its way back beneath my skirt. Her fingers resumed their teasing touches over my sodden panties, drawing small circles that made me bite back a whimper.

"Your prosecco's getting warm." She nodded at my half-full glass, a wicked glint in her eyes. "Finish it, and maybe we can grab another bottle at my place." Her fingertip pressed harder against my clit through the fabric. "What do you say?"

I reached for the glass with trembling hands, nearly knocking it over. The bubbles tickled my nose as I took a sip, fighting to keep my face neutral as Rachel increased the pressure of her touch. Her fingers worked in slow, deliberate circles, sending waves of pleasure through my core.

"That's it," she purred, leaning close enough that her lips brushed my ear. "Just a few more sips."

I gripped the stem tighter, trying to steady my shaking hands as I raised the glass again. Rachel's fingers pressed harder, rubbing firm circles over my throbbing clit. A moan threatened to escape my lips, and I quickly disguised it as a cough, nearly choking on the prosecco.

Rachel's fingers maintained their steady rhythm. "You're trembling." Her voice dripped with playful innocence. "Surely you can keep it together? It's just a little teasing over your panties."

My thighs quivered as pressure built between them. Each circle of her fingers sent sparks of pleasure through my core. I gripped the edge of the table, trying to anchor myself to reality.

"Besides," she whispered, her breath hot against my ear, "what kind of girl cums from this in a wine bar?"

The tension coiled tighter in my belly. My hips rocked subtly against her hand, seeking more friction. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I fought to maintain composure.

"Rachel, please." My voice came out as a desperate whimper. "It's been so long... I can't... I'm going to..."

She withdrew her hand immediately, leaving me aching and on edge. Her fingers stroked my hair with surprising tenderness.

"Shh, it's okay." She pressed a soft kiss to my temple. "I wouldn't be that cruel, making you orgasm here." Her fingers continued their gentle caress through my hair. "But if you come back to my place, I promise to finish what I started."

Chapter 3

I followed Rachel to the subway platform, my legs still unsteady. The night air had done little to cool my burning skin or ease the throbbing between my thighs.

"Just twenty minutes." Rachel's eyes sparkled in the fluorescent lights. "Not too far."

We found seats in a nearly empty car. My mind raced with protests. This was wrong. So wrong. Rachel was barely out of college - thirteen years younger than me. And Mark... guilt churned in my stomach at the thought of her boyfriend.

Rachel's fingertips ghosted along my outer thigh, tracing delicate patterns through my skirt. Her touch scattering my troubled thoughts.

She leaned close, her lips brushing my ear. "I can't wait to taste you." Her voice was barely a whisper, meant only for me. "To feel how wet you are with my tongue."

My breath caught. Her fingers continued their maddening path up and down my thigh.

"I bet you taste so sweet." Her words made me squirm in my seat. "I want to make you cum over and over until you can't remember your own name."

Heat flooded my core. I gripped the edge of my seat, trying to ground myself.

"The things I'm going to do to you..." Her fingertips crept higher with each pass. "I'm going to kiss every inch of your body. Make you beg for more."

A small whimper escaped my lips. Rachel's hand stilled, and she pressed her thigh against mine.

"Shh." Her breath was warm against my neck. "You have to be quiet. But later..." She nipped my earlobe. "Later I want to hear every beautiful sound you make."

"Please..." My voice cracked with need. "I can't take it anymore. I want you so badly." The words tumbled out before I could stop them, desperation overriding my usual self-control.

Rachel's eyes darted around the subway car, checking every corner. Empty. The fluorescent lights flickered overhead as we rattled through the dark tunnel.

She turned back to me, pupils blown wide with desire. Her hand slid to the nape of my neck, pulling me close. Our lips met and electricity surged through my body. Her mouth was so soft, yet demanding. She tasted like the wine we'd shared, sweet and intoxicating.

I melted into her touch as she deepened the kiss. Her tongue brushed against mine, gentle at first, then more insistent. Years of loneliness and wanting poured out of me as I kissed her back with everything I had. My fingers tangled in her hair, drawing her closer.

Rachel moaned softly into my mouth, her free hand gripping my waist. The kiss grew more heated, desperate. Our tongues danced together as passion consumed us both. I couldn't remember the last time I'd been kissed like this - like I was precious and desired all at once.

When we finally broke apart, we were both breathless. Rachel's lipstick was smudged, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She pressed her forehead against mine, our ragged breaths mingling in the space between us.

"This is us." Rachel tugged my hand as the subway screeched to a halt.

My legs trembled as I followed her up the station steps, each movement making me intensely aware of how wet I was. The cool night air did nothing to calm the fire burning through my veins.

We hurried down lamp-lit streets, passing closed storefronts and quiet apartments. Rachel's fingers stayed intertwined with mine, leading me forward. Despite the late hour, my skin tingled with electricity at every brush of contact between us.

After a few turns, Rachel pulled me to a stop in front of a brick building. She fished her keys from her purse, turning to face me with dark eyes and swollen lips. A playful giggle escaped her as she backed toward the entrance.

"I'm going to make you feel so fucking good, Sarah." Her voice was husky with promise. "Going to take my time with you."

"Please..." I could barely form words through my desperate need. "I can't wait anymore."

Rachel pressed me against the building's outer wall, her lips grazing my neck. "You won't have to, baby. Not one more minute." She pulled back just enough to unlock the door, drawing me inside after her.

My lips still tingled from Rachel's kisses as we stumbled through her apartment door. Her hands were everywhere - my waist, my neck, sliding under the hem of my blouse.

"Hey hun!" A male voice called from the kitchen.

Rachel jumped back from me like she'd been burned. "Fuck," she whispered, barely audible. "The dickhead was supposed to be out drinking."

Heavy footsteps approached, and a man appeared in the hallway. Mark. Even in my panic, I noticed his unremarkable features - muddy brown hair that needed a trim, a plain face with slightly crooked teeth, and a small beer belly straining against his wrinkled t-shirt.

His eyes narrowed as they landed on me. "Who's this?" The question came out more like an accusation.

"Sarah from work." Rachel's voice had lost all its earlier warmth. "I told you she was showing me around, and I asked her to come back for a bit of a girls night."

Mark grunted. "Dave bailed on me. Stuck here now." He took a long pull from his beer bottle.

"Sorry I'm such disappointing company." Rachel's words dripped with sarcasm.

"She's always like this." Mark gestured at Rachel with his bottle, addressing me directly. His breath reeked of alcohol. "Such a fucking bitch when she doesn't get her way."

"Don't talk about me like I'm not here!" Rachel's face flushed red.

"Then stop acting like a spoiled brat." Mark's lip curled in disgust.

I shifted uncomfortably, my earlier arousal replaced by a sick feeling in my stomach. The air felt thick with tension as Rachel and Mark glared at each other.

"Maybe I should go..." I started backing toward the door.

"No, stay!" Rachel grabbed my arm. "He's the one being an asshole."

"Right, I'm the asshole." Mark rolled his eyes. "Always my fault, isn't it?"

Rachel opened her mouth to respond, but Mark cut her off.

"You better go." His eyes locked onto mine, cold and dismissive. "This is gonna get ugly."

"I'll walk you out." Rachel's voice trembled with barely contained rage. "Then you and I are having words, Mark."

The moment the apartment door closed behind us, Rachel crumpled. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she threw her arms around me, burying her face in my neck.

"I'm so sorry." Her body shook with quiet sobs. "God, I'm so fucking sorry."

I wrapped my arms around her, running my hand soothingly up and down her back. Her tears were hot against my skin. "Shh, it's okay."

"It's not okay." She pulled back slightly, mascara smeared beneath her eyes. "He's such an asshole. I didn't want you to see that."

"Hey." I brushed a tear from her cheek. "Give me your phone."

Rachel sniffled, fishing it from her coat pocket. I quickly entered my number.

"Message me later, okay? We can talk about everything."

She nodded, then surged forward to capture my lips in a desperate kiss. Her mouth moved against mine with fierce intensity, leaving me breathless. When she finally pulled away, her hand cupped my cheek, thumb stroking softly across my skin.

"Thank you," she whispered, then disappeared back inside.

The sound of raised voices filtered through the door as I walked away. My body still hummed with frustrated desire, while my heart ached at leaving Rachel behind with him. I'd never felt so simultaneously aroused and heartbroken in my life.