Weekends Required (11 page)

“Hey Mr. D, thanks man,” replied Suzy without missing a beat. Claire was surprised that Jason actually remembered Suzy’s name and equally surprised to see that Suzy was not intimidated in the least by him. Claire could feel herself cringing as Suzy continued, “You want to pull up a chair and join us? We could use some male company tonight.”

“I couldn’t think of anything that I would rather do than dine with two beautiful women; unfortunately, I’m with Grayson Merimon tonight. Claire, you might recall that Grayson is the CEO of Mericom?” Jason’s gaze had settled on her as he waited for a reply.

“Ye… Yes, I remember. I’ve never met him in person, but I do recall the name.” Claire could feel her cheeks turning red as she felt herself stammering through her reply.
Oh lord, he looks good enough to eat tonight. I wonder if he’s on the menu because I would order that for sure.

 
“Well let’s rectify that now; I’m sure Grayson would love to meet you. I hope you ladies will join us for a drink at our table?”

Already forming a polite refusal on her lips, Claire was dismayed to see Suzy pop up from her seat with a, “sounds cool Mr. D, lead the way.” She shot Suzy her best 'what the hell are you doing' look but had no choice but to follow them over to the table.

As they approached, a tall, striking man stood up.
Oh baby, this guy could give Jason a run for his money in the hot category, wow!
“Ladies this is Grayson Merimon, Grayson this is Suzanna Denton, or Suzy as we call her, who handles the event planning for Danvers and this is my personal assistant, Claire Walters.”

Grayson extended a hand to Suzy first. “Ms. Denton, a pleasure to meet you,” said Grayson smoothly.

Suzy gave his hand a quick shake and replied, “What’s up Gray?” Grayson’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, a smile starting to play around his generous lips as he then turned towards Claire and extended his hand.

“Ms. Walters, after speaking with you on the telephone and via email, I feel like I already know you, it’s a pleasure to put a face with the voice.” Grayson’s hand engulfed hers in a warm grip.

“Grayson I hope you don’t mind; I’ve invited Suzy and Claire to join us for a drink.”

“Of course not Jason, it would be a pleasure,” replied Grayson. Jason seated Claire and Grayson pulled out a chair for Suzy.

Claire murmured a quick thank you, and Suzy looked over her shoulder at Grayson with a, “Thanks G.” Again Claire could see Grayson’s lips twitch.

Claire felt Jason’s powerful thigh touch against hers under the table, and her body leapt to life in response.
Oh great, it’s been so long between men that I’m going to have an orgasm just from a little leg contact.
She shifted as far away as she could and felt Jason’s thigh once again brushing hers. Anymore shifting and she would be out of the chair and on the floor. Claire was certain he was doing it on purpose. Ignoring him, she focused her attention on the conversation at the table.

Jason was explaining to Suzy that in the next few months she would be working with Grayson and his staff to put together a formal party to celebrate the merger between the two companies. Suzy was asking if they’d thought of providing some type of entertainment. Suddenly, Claire became aware that the whole table was looking at her.

“Excuse me, did you say something?” asked Claire.

“Yes, I told Suzy that you might have some ideas for good party entertainment,” said Jason with what could only be termed as a wicked grin.

Claire was speechless for a moment, terrified that Jason was going to elaborate on what he was clearly hinting at. “I um… I don’t think I’ve any ideas about that. Suzy is the master planner, I’m sure she’ll have lots ideas.”

Luckily, this successfully diverted the attention back to Suzy. Without thinking, Claire reached over under the table and dug the heel of her shoe into Jason’s foot. His thigh jerked as Claire continued to face forward with a smile on her face. At that moment, the waiter approached the table and asked if they’d like to order. Claire opened her mouth to ask Suzy if she was ready to return to their table trying to make her escape.

“Jason, why don’t we invite these lovely ladies to join us for dinner?” invited Grayson.

With a smug look, Jason replied, “I think that’s a wonderful idea Grayson.”

“Groovy, count me in Mr. D,” said Suzy. With everyone at the table again looking at her, Claire had little choice but to accept. Suzy asked the waiter to bring their champagne over to the new table, and soon they were all placing their food order.

Claire realized she’d already had two drinks and knew she’d better slow down before it went to her head. Jason made her so nervous and more than once she could feel his gaze fixed on her. His thigh was now a permanent fixture against hers. No matter how many times she tried to shift away from him, he always managed to resume the contact within minutes. Claire found herself wondering how that thigh would feel between her own.

Claire unconsciously pressed her thigh closer to Jason’s as she imagined wrapping her legs around him as he entered her. She was soon completely lost in the fantasy. A clatter in the kitchen jerked Claire out of her trance, and she realized that although Suzy and Grayson continued to talk as if nothing unusual was happening, Jason’s eyes were riveted on her, and she quickly discovered why. Not only were their thighs now almost inseparable, her hand was also tightly gripping his upper thigh.
Oh shit, I’ve felt my boss up in public no less, and he knows exactly what I was thinking!

Quickly jerking her hand away and putting distance between them again, Claire was relieved when their dinner arrived and provided a much-needed distraction. Had anyone else noticed what was going on? Jason quite obviously had but luckily Grayson and Suzy seemed clueless that she’d been groping her boss under the table.

~~~

When was the last time he had an erection at the dinner table? Maybe back in high school or college but certainly never with an important business colleague and two of his employees. Things would be damn embarrassing for him now if he had to leave the table. He had been playing with Claire all evening, teasing her about party entertainment and then moving his thigh closer to hers every time she attempted to put some space between them. When she’d suddenly pressed her thigh tightly to his and her breathing quickened, he was too surprised to move for a minute.

Still thinking it was just an accident, he was even more surprised when she left it there and then shocked when he felt a hand settle on his thigh almost brushing against the length of him. His little assistant was quite obviously turned on, and he hoped that he was what had her so hot and bothered. He tried to keep up with the conversation from the others at the table so that attention would not be focused on what seemed to be going on between them. Was she trying to let him know that she wanted him?

He couldn’t have been more shocked if she’d upended her glass on the top of his head. Darting a glance at her, he saw that she appeared to be deep in thought. Did she even know what she was doing to him? When Claire suddenly jerked against him and looked up with wide eyes, Jason felt the urge to grab her hand and drag her out of the restaurant and to his car. She acted like she’d no idea what had just happened between them.

She quickly removed her hand and pulled away from him as far as she could. If she was dream-walking over there he hoped it continued somewhere a little more private. He was more than willing to let her have her way with him but would like it to be somewhere that wouldn’t get them both arrested. He was so turned on he could hardly stay in his seat.

She looked so beautiful tonight. Somehow, he didn’t think the clothes she was wearing were actually hers because they were far more revealing than she would normally wear. Her pale creamy breasts swelled out of the top of the dress and miles and miles of legs were on display for the world to see. Well, hell, she did jump out of a cake with next to nothing on, and even though he hated that, he could almost believe that it was just a job to her and not her normal nature.

What made that job necessary to her was a mystery he intended to solve. He hoped the erection pushing at the zipper of his slacks would subside before it was time to leave. Jason settled back in his chair praying that more than his dinner would cool off soon.

~~~

Claire picked at the shrimp and tilapia she’d ordered. Conversation flowed smoothly around the table. More than once she’d caught a questioning glance directed her way from Suzy and had managed a smile of reassurance in return. Grayson was a very entertaining dinner companion and generally kept everyone laughing with stories from various events he had attended.

Suzy continued to be herself and made some comments that Claire was sure that Jason would not appreciate in front of a business associate. She, however, was surprised when instead of being offended Jason openly laughed along with Suzy and appeared in no way offended or put off by her outspoken nature.

Jason’s thigh returned to press against hers, and she’d given up trying to keep distance between them. She knew she’d once again had too much to drink thanks to the man beside of her. When the waiter returned to clear their plates and offer drinks and desert, Claire gratefully ordered a coffee. Soon, everyone was finished and the coffee had helped lessen some of the effects of the Champagne.

“Ladies I think I speak for Jason when I say dinner with you was a great pleasure; this is the most enjoyable meal I’ve had in quite some time,” said Grayson with a smile.

“I completely agree; this has been the most er… stimulating meal I’ve had as well in quite some time,” replied Jason with a rueful smile. Claire wanted to kick him under the table; she was sure his comment was directed towards her, especially the 'stimulating' part.

When Jason took the check from the waiter, Suzy protested, determined to spend Jeff’s money but Jason won in the end and settled the check with the waiter. “Ladies, can I drop you off somewhere?” asked Jason.

“No thanks Mr. D, my wheels are here, and I’m dropping Claire back at the office to pick up her car, so were cool,” replied Suzy. 

“I’m actually running by the office myself to pick up some papers I left there, why don’t I drop off Claire and save you the trouble Suzy?” offered Jason.

Claire shook her head, a polite ‘no thank you’ on her lips when to her shock and dismay, Suzy replied, “Hey groovy Mr. D, that would totally save me a trip back into town.”
What in the hell has gotten into her? I’m going to strangle her when I get her alone. Not only have I felt my boss up this evening, now thanks to my best friend I have to ride with him too!

As she tried to catch Suzy’s eye, Claire found herself instead staring at the back of her friend's head as she sailed out of the restaurant ahead of them like a queen. She followed as fast as she could, desperate to get Suzy’s attention before Jason and Grayson arrived at the exit of the restaurant.

Just as she reached Suzy and took her arm, she felt her other arm clasped from behind and a voice in her ear, “They’re bringing up my car now,” murmured Jason. Shit, she was well and truly trapped. Claire released Suzy’s arm and settled for giving her a scathing look instead.

Suzy ignored her and turned instead to Grayson, “Talk at ya later Gray,” as she reached up with her knuckle to pop Grayson on the shoulder.

Grayson looked a little surprised and vastly amused as he studied Suzy and replied, “Yes, it’s been interesting Suzanna, very interesting.” Suzy appeared taken aback at the use of her full name but in typical Suzy fashion she shrugged and laughed it off. Grayson turned to Claire and extended his hand to her, “Claire it’s been a pleasure; I’m sure I’ll be talking to you soon.”

All too soon, Jason’s sleek black Mercedes arrived at the valet station, and he was holding the door open for her. Accepting defeat, Claire slid into the soft, leather seat, and Jason shut the door and walked around to the driver’s side. “Claire, why don’t I drop you off at your home instead of at your car? It’s late so rather than navigating a dark parking lot it would probably be more feasible for both of us to call it a night.”

“Bu… But, I don’t have a way to work tomorrow; I have to get my car tonight,” stammered Claire.

Too late, she realized she’d just stepped neatly into a trap. “I’ll of course be glad to pick you up in the morning as well,” replied Jason smoothly.

“That’s too much trouble; you can just drop me off at my car.”

“I would prefer to see you to your door and know you have arrived home safely.” Rather than persist in arguing, Claire quietly gave him directions to her apartment.

“So what was the reason for the celebration tonight? I gather it was something to do with a man from the toast I overheard?”

“Mmm, yes, Suzy’s boyfriend, or ex-boyfriend, Jeff.”

“Bad break-up huh?”

“You could say that. I won’t go into the whole thing, but it was sudden and unexpected on her part.”

“That’s a real shame; Suzy is great; I can’t imagine a man doing any better,” said Jason earnestly. He just continued to surprise her and apparently her expression showed it.

“What’re you thinking?”

“I’m surprised that in a company the size of Danvers you seem to know everyone.”

“They’re my people Claire and as such each of them is important to me. Everyone there contributes to the success we have, and they’re as worthy of my respect and concern as are you,” added Jason quietly.

Had she ever really known Jason? She’d always felt that he was oblivious to everything around him other than the bottom line. The truth seemed to be quite the opposite; Jason had his hands on everything in his company and obviously spent a lot of his time getting to know each person in it. Claire was surprised to see them approaching her apartment. She was almost sorry to see the ride end so quickly. She directed Jason to her vacant parking spot, and Claire let out a loud groan before thinking.

“What’s the matter?” asked Jason.