I got to work and immediately went into the shop area to get Bryce’s stupid apology out of the way. Harp was back there, wiping down a sick-looking custom bike.
“Wow!” I said. “What a cool bike! Who’s is it?”
“Customer’s,” Harp replied, not looking at me. “Bryce is in Kim’s office. They’re waiting for you.”
“Ugh. Whatever,” I groaned, heading down the hall to our Office Manager’s office. I passed by my boss, James’ office and was stopped.
“Heather!” I heard, from behind me. I poked my head in James’ office. He was seated behind his desk, talking to Mr. 330.
“Hey James. Sorry, I’m supposed to go to Kim’s office. This whole thing is just so st…” I said, before being interrupted by my boss.
“Heather, this is Creighton Benson,” James said, standing up to introduce me.
“Call me CJ,” Mr. 330 said, extending his hand.
“Hi,” I said, offering a quick handshake. “James, I’m sorry. Kim is waiting for me.”
“Well she can wait,” James corrected me. “Our customers come first.”
I looked from James, to CJ, and then back at James. “OK….”
“Mr. Benson’s bike arrived today. Would you please make sure Harp has it ready for him?”
“Uh. Yeah. I just came from there. He’s making it ready now,” I told James. Then I looked at CJ and added, “sick bike, by the way.”
James stood up and excused himself from CJ for a moment, leading me into the hallway. “Go handle this thing with Bryce,” James said, quietly.
“This is bullshit, and everybody knows it,” I replied.
“It is. But we have to be careful. Come back here, when you’re done.”
I went to Kim’s office and accepted Bryce’s stupid apology, both of us holding back a laugh. Kim knew it was outrageous, but they were making us play it by the book. Having done my duty as the recipient of Bryce’s heartfelt blood-letting, I made my way back to James’ office.
CJ was waiting for me outside the Sales Manager’s office. “Your boss said you’d take me back.”
I escorted CJ to the Service Area, as Harp and Bryce were just finishing up with his special ordered motorcycle. “Hey guys. This is Creighton,” I introduced walking up to do the inspection.
“Call me CJ,” he laughed, and extended his hand.
The guys exchanged smiles and handshakes, while I got a really good look at CJ’s new motorcycle. Its custom paint job featured a big bit going into the ground, with a scantily-clad bombshell riding the shaft of the drill. Can you dig it! was ghosted into one side of the gas tank. And Benson Fuel Corp ghosted in on the other side.
“What is this?” I asked Harp. “This isn’t even a bike we sell.”
“Oh we sold it alright,” Harp told me. But then we sent it out to be chopped. They added raked triple trees, longer forks, a skinny front tire…Hell about the only thing they left stock on it was the motor!”
CJ and I walked behind the guys as they pushed the bike out of the garage. “Well I hope you enjoy your new…” I started.
“It’s not for me,” CJ interrupted, laughing.
We stopped walking, so I could give CJ a quizzed expression and ask, “OK…So what are we…”
“It’s for the company. We’re giving it away as a promotional deal.”
“Wow! That’s a pretty cool, expensive way to promote…what is it, you’re promoting?”
“We signed a big deal this year, so my da… So the owner wants to do something special.”
I read the qhosted writing on the gas tank out loud, “Can you dig it?”
“Yeah, we’re an oil company. That slogan wasn’t my idea, though,” CJ laughed.
“Uh huh. And the girl grinding herself on the bit?”
“Well…THAT was my idea,” he laughed. “Just thought it needed something to spice it up, make it a little more…sexy.”
“Benson Fuel Corp,” I read. “Is that where you work?”
“Um. Yep. That’s where I work,” CJ answered, flatly.
“Well…what do you DO there, Creighton?” I teased.
“That kinda depends on what month it is. I’ve had lots of titles – Interim CFO, Interim COO, Assistant Director of Personnel…. But usually my titles are a little less formal – The Old Man’s Brat Son, Golden Boy, His Majesty,” CJ joked.
“Ohhh! So Daddy owns…Benson…ah. I’m a little slow,” I said, embarrassed.
“Yep. I work for my dad. Mystery solved,” CJ replied, smiling. “But it isn’t like everyone thinks. I mean, I have my degree in business. And I’ve started my MBA.”
“Oh no! I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sure His Majesty is VERY smart!”
CJ shook his head. “I see I’ve stepped in it now.”
“Nah. It’s OK. You wanna know the title I had for you?”
“Oh? Not sure I DO want to know.”
“Mr. 330!” I laughed.
CJ looked at me, curiously. “I don’t…”
“Your car! You drive a THREE Series BMW.”
“What’s wrong with my car?” CJ asked, a bit defensively.
“Nothing. I mean, I would totally love that car. It’s just…a 330? Why not a Seven Series?”
“Ah,” CJ laughed. “Well there’s a bit of a story behind that. Kinda personal,” CJ continued, soberly. “Why don’t we talk over dinner tonight?”
“Uh. Because I don’t know where YOU’LL be having dinner!” I joked. “I’ll be at home, watching the news with my dad, eating mac and cheese out of the pan.”
CJ laughed hard and clarified his invitation, “Can I take you to dinner, Heather? I promise something more substantial than mac and cheese. And whatever it is, I’m sure it will NOT be served in the pan used to make it.”
“No need to make fun, Mr. 330, I mean, Creighton Bennet, COO. Not all of us are as unlazy as you!”
“First of all, It’s Benson, not Bennet. Secondly, you have to call me CJ. And thirdly, “UNLAZY?” That may be the worst made-up word I’ve ever heard!”
“Oh. OK. Well how about, not all of us are as indefatigable as you. That better?”
“Indefagawhat?”
“Getting your MBA, you say?” I flirted, sarcastically. “Unlazy. And yes, I would love to hear the dark secret behind your car choice. I get off work at seven.”
CJ handed me his business card, “My cell number is on there. Can I pick you up from here?”
“I guess. What I’m wearing is OK?”
“Absolutely! You look fantastic,” CJ complimented, smiling.
I walked CJ over to his car as the guys finished loading his custom bike into a delivery truck. He exchanged handshakes with Bryce and Harp, then turned to me. I extended my hand, CJ took it, then leaned down and kissed my cheek.
“See you in a little while,” he whispered, as my coworkers’ eyes and mouth went wide open.
Of course I was teased, mercilessly, after CJ drove away. Normally that would have made me fight fire with fire, but I just smiled, letting them have their fun. They knew joking about CJ was like fighting above their weight class, so I didn’t want to bruise their egos by pointing that out. Still, I did feel a bit under-dressed in a miniskirt and heels. CJ had on jeans and a T-shirt, so maybe it will be a casual place, I thought.
As seven o’clock approached, I didn’t want to broadcast my anticipation. So I sat with my feet up on James’ desk and listened to him tell me all the cool things they did to create CJ’s unique motorcycle. Most of it didn’t make sense to me, but I could see he was proud to talk about it.
“Your ride is here,” Bryce said, poking his head into James’ office.
I took a deep breath and casually moved to exit my boss’ office. “See if you can get your boyfriend to commission another chopper for us,” James offered, smiling.
“He’s not my boyfriend. But of course I’ll use this dinner out with OUR CUSTOMER to talk about motorcycles,” I laughed.
When I opened the door to exit our showroom, I was not expecting “my ride” to be a white limousine. CJ, now dressed in a suit and tie, was standing beside the limo, holding the back door open for me. I looked over my shoulder and saw everyone I work with watching me leave.
“Feel like I should be wearing a prom dress,” I told CJ, ducking into the back seat.
CJ climbed in beside me and replied, “Well I couldn’t very well pick you up in that lame BMW.”
We sat in the back of the limo and made light conversation about my day, as CJ tried to normalize the situation for me. He could obviously sense that I felt uncomfortable and a bit overwhelmed. We had just met, so being taken out to dinner in a limousine seemed a bit contrived and presumptuous. And once again, I felt dressed inappropriately.
“Reservations for Benson,” CJ told the host.
“Right this way, sir.”
“Seriously?” I whispered, as we got seated. “Ritz Carlton?”
“What?” CJ laughed. “First, my car. Now you don’t like my choice of restaurants?”
“I should be mad at you. I am not dressed for a place like this. But I have to say…Oh My God!” I laughed.
“Relax. Look around you. Nobody cares. And you’re the most beautiful girl in here.”
“Ugh,” I sighed. “You are a smooth talker. OK. Not like I’ll ever be here again,” I relented.
The waiter came for our drink order. CJ asked for a bottle of champagne. I gave him a “what the hell?” look at the same time the waiter asked for my identification.
“Sorry. I don’t have my identification. Please bring me a sparkling water,” I calmly directed, burning holes in CJ’s eyes.
“Uh. I’ll have a Macallan twelve, neat. And a sparkling water, as well.”
“What are you thinking?” I asked, quietly.
“What? I didn’t know you didn’t have your ID.”
“Are you thick? I’m only sixteen years old,” I told CJ.
“Oh shit,” CJ said, a bit too loud for my comfort. “Oh. I am SO sorry,” he continued, as his eyes studied my face and body. “You look a lot older.”
“Yeah. I get that,” I said, covering my face with my hands in embarrassment.
“Hey. That was stupid of me. I sh…..” CJ began, before I interrupted.
“It’s fine. Please don’t… Do you still want to have dinner?”
“Yes. This doesn’t change… ” CJ started, as I moved my hands away from my misty eyes. “I absolutely still want to have dinner with you…. If you want.”
I nodded and offered a smile as the butterflies fell from my stomach. I still felt the sting of embarrassment, and imagined so many people’s eyes on me. But the way CJ was looking at me was so genuine, and wonderful.
For the remainder of our dinner date, I played The Flirt, flawlessly. I kept the conversation all about him. CJ told me about his job, his family, the MBA program and all his aspirations for the future. I found out he’s twenty four, went to private school, and finished his Bachelor’s Degree in under three years.
When we got settled back in the limo, I asked CJ where he lived. It seemed innocuous, so I was a bit surprised that I embarrassed him. He laughed and got a bit red-faced.
“I live at home,” he said, with mock confidence.
“Home,” I acknowledged. “With your parents?”
“Well. Yes…. But not really. The estate is pretty spread out. I don’t see them, unless I want to.” Then CJ pushed a button and directed, “Take us by Shale Rock on the way back.”
“Shale Rock?” I teased. “Why not Benson Manor? Creighton Place!”
“Very funny. Creighton is my mother’s maiden name, so that wouldn’t make sense. It’s a family thing for me to take her name, but I’ve never gone by it.”
“I was just teasing. I still live on our estate too,” I said, laughing.
“There’s the house,” CJ said, pointing ahead.
I couldn’t see all of “the house” at once, through the windshield. Massive trees and a garden wall concealed the lower half from the road. The upper floors with lights on, seemed to go on for an entire city block. The roofs of other houses were visible on the same land, behind the mansion.
I leaned over to look out CJ’s window as we passed his breathtaking estate, and whispered, “If you’re trying to impress me…”
CJ put his hand under my chin, gently turning my face to his. The look in his eyes sent a chill down my body. I let him guide my lips to his, suddenly feeling like the most desired person in the world. We kissed for a moment, lightly licking, but not with lustful intensity. Just pretty kisses, with measured restraint. Still, my heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest.
CJ held my face as he kissed me. My eyes closed, and I shut out every other feeling or sense. That kiss was perfect. But I wasn’t in the most comfortable position, leaning across the limo. So I broke our kiss and whispered, “thank you,” giving CJ a smile.
I moved away from CJ to sit with my back against the opposite side of the limo, playfully laying my legs in his lap. CJ looked at my legs and began feeding both his hands on my flesh. I felt warm all over as my date ran his fingers along my calves, up my thighs, to the hem of my short skirt.
“Wow, you are really beautiful, Heather,” CJ said, smiling at me. He pulled his hands away from me and casually took off his tie.
“Gimme,” I said, quietly.
CJ tossed his tie to me and began shedding his suit coat. “Want this too?” CJ joked. I shook my head, letting my lips run along the silk tie as CJ laid his coat on the seat. Then I leaned forward and slipped the tie around CJ’s neck, using it to pull him over to me.
It took no effort at all, guiding CJ’s body to mine. He pulled my hips down, effortlessly laying me flat, immediately pinning me to the seat and kissing me. I wrapped my arms around CJ and let him attack my mouth with his lustful tongue. CJ’s hands traced along the sides of my body, denying them the fulfillment of my breasts.
I took one of CJ’s hands, and placed it on the front of my chest, in the shared desire for him to touch me. I inhaled sharply and sucked CJ’s tongue into my mouth when his hand went under my blouse. It was too tight for him to slide all the way up to my breasts though.
CJ raised up, put his hands at the top button of my blouse and looked in my eyes. “Only sixteen. I swear I didn’t know. Please tell me I’m not doing something wrong here,” whispered my handsome date.
I reached up and began unbuttoning his shirt. A race for the buttons began, which CJ won handily. Our eyes held each other while CJ traced the bra line, over both of my breasts. CJ leaned down, kissing my neck, my chest and my breasts while my hands traversed his back and chest, inside his shirt.
I pulled CJ to me, wanting his skin on mine. CJ’s kisses found their way back to my lips, and I felt myself wanting to give him all of my body. Our heavy kissing and touching had made us oblivious to the fact that the car had stopped. I suddenly became aware that we hadn’t moved in quite some time.
I broke our kiss and opened my eyes, to see CJ panting and giving me a cute smile. The windows were fogged, but I could see we were parked at the motorcycle dealership.
“How long have we been here?” I whispered, giggling.
“I don’t know,” CJ answered, laughing quietly with me.
“Can he see us?” I asked, nodding to our driver.
CJ paused, before answering, “Um. No.”
“You,” I quietly laughed. “You liar.”
I sat up, fixing my buttons while CJ did the same. I won the race for the buttons and quietly asked CJ for his phone. He handed it to me and I created a contact named Most Beautiful Girl I Know, and put in my cell number.
“You better call me,” I said, as CJ pushed a button on the console.
Our driver got out and opened my door, while CJ exited on his side and walked around to meet me.
“This is Tony,” CJ introduced our driver.
“Hi Tony,” I said, offering a handshake. “Thank you for taking us tonight.”
I know Tony is employed by the Benson’s, but it seemed weird to meet someone and not offer some sort of appreciation.
“Nice to meet you, Heather,” Tony replied, cordially, before returning to his seat and closing the door.
CJ walked me over to my car. “Yes, I will call you,” he said, pulling me to him. CJ brought his face to mine, lightly parting my lips with his tongue. With our mouths still touching, CJ asked, “will you go out with me again?”
I moaned and opened my mouth. Our lips and tongues made love for a few passionate minutes. Then I felt CJ’s hands and body letting me go. I held his gaze as CJ’s lips left mine. Then I answered his question.
“Yes.”
