- Part 1:The Scent of Temptation
- Part 2 – Beatriz’s Bargain
Beatriz’ grip was firm, the palm of her hand cool against Natalie’s own and her lips quirked in a half smile, half smirk that seemed knowingly mischievous, as though she was aware of a joke that others were not. Her eyes were deep pools of hazel, with thick, dark lashes and her hair was long and soft, falling in loose waves around her face and shoulders.
⚠️ Content: teasing, lesbian, seduction
Part 1: The Scent of Temptation
by Mia Sumner
Natalie rubbed her tired eyes and gazed at the screen with a mix of desperation and hope, longing for the numbers to finally add up. Her mind raced with calculations, struggling to keep pace with the intricate spreadsheet and its ever-changing variables. Hours of intense focus had left her mentally drained, her brain feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. A knock on the door, triggered a surge of annoyance and disappointment, knowing she’d be torn away from her work once again. “Yes?” she called out, her voice tight with frustration and a hint of exasperation.
“I know you’re busy but, do you have a moment?” A familiar voice said in a tone that suggested she didn’t think what Natalie was doing was important at all.
Natalie sighed and leaned back in her chair, her eyes drifting over the framed pictures of her family placed neatly on her desk as she turned her attention to the door and the unwelcome visitor. Weeks of overtime trying to keep up with everything while Corporate breathed down her neck meant she really wasn’t in the mood for another of Jackie’s lectures on office minutia, but there was no stopping that woman.
Before Natalie could even answer, Jackie Thornton pushed the door the rest of the way open and walked in, that familiar disapproving look on her face. Natalie sometimes wondered if Jackie understood that the office manager role she held was little more than a glorified receptionist position. There’s a saleswoman, her lips pursed emphasizing the wrinkles around her mouth and even the word dripped with condescension, who would like to discuss our office supplies. Natalie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Can’t you deal with it, Jackie?” she asked, “I’m really quite busy.”
Jackie’s stone faced stare didn’t falter. “You are the manager, after all.” she sniffed and, as usual, Natalie was the first to break eye contact Despite her mounting frustration she didn’t want to create a scene even if she didn’t need this right now. Instead, she took a deep breath and forced herself to stay calm.
“Fine,” she said, “What is it?”
Rather than simply answering, Jackie gestured for her to follow, in that presumptive way she had. Natalie got to her feet, and they walked slowly towards the conference room, Jackie’s deliberate pace forcing Natalie to move equally slowly. Natalie stepped into the room, eager to get whatever pointless task Jackie had dreamed up now over with as quickly as possible.
There was someone waiting in the conference room. Jackie could have warned, her, but of course she hadn’t. Natalie paused, caught by surprise, her eyes drawn to the waiting woman.
“This is Ms. Chavez.” Jackie said from the doorway, not even bothering to walk into the room, her clipped tones making the disapproval once again obvious. Natalie wondered idly what exactly Ms. Chavez had done to offend.
“Beatriz.” the woman said, unperturbed, standing and holding out her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you.” Her voice was smooth, caressing each word in an almost sensual way. Natalie took a half-step forward, taking the woman’s hand, the action bringing her close to Ms. Chavez, making her aware of her perfume, a mixture of vanilla, chocolate, and caramel.
Beatriz’ grip was firm, the palm of her hand cool against Natalie’s own and her lips quirked in a half smile, half smirk that seemed knowingly mischievous, as though she was aware of a joke that others were not. Her eyes were deep pools of hazel, with thick, dark lashes and her hair was long and soft, falling in loose waves around her face and shoulders.
Natalie was aware she had been staring for too long, but somehow couldn’t stop. Beatriz’ lips were full and painted red, Natalie found herself wondering what it would be like to kiss them? The thought startled her, it wasn’t one she had ever had before. Her brain flashed warnings about the inappropriateness of this thought, and yet her eyes drifted down to the woman’s chest where a hint of cleavage was on display with the top button of her blouse undone. Realizing she was still holding the woman’s hand, she quickly let go, pulling her gazed back to Beatriz’ eyes with an almost physical effort.
Beatriz returned her gaze, the amused smirk deepening, as though she knew exactly what Natalie had been thinking. Clearly the woman was comfortable using her appearance to her advantage, an asset for a saleswoman no doubt. Natalie swallowed, her mouth dry. This wasn’t like her at all, what was happening and where was this coming from.
Jackie cleared her throat loudly, making both her presence and continuing disapproval clear, and Natalie blinked, just how long had she been staring at Beatriz? She stepped back, trying to compose herself, feeling her cheeks heat up as she gestured to Beatriz to take a seat before seating herself on the opposite side of the table, retreating into the familiarity of business interactions.
“So,” she began, “How can I help you?”
“I’m here to discuss your office supply needs,” Beatriz said, her businesslike tone perfectly professional, yet a hint of mischief betrayed by the subtle smirk playing on her lips and the sparkle in her eyes.
“I’ll leave you to it.” Jackie, huffed before leaving the room. Natalie smiled apologetically to Beatriz, but she seemed unfazed.
“So, what can I do for you?” Natalie asked again.