Stolen Kisses With Her Boss

He wasn’t in the habit of taking chances. He’d seen more than once growing up what happened when someone took a chance. He didn’t do it with places to live, friends or when making decisions on which stocks to buy. Only sure things interested him. That was just what the grant proposal had to be: a sure thing. Ms. Marcum was going to help make that happen.

Sean had worked until two o’clock in the morning the night before and still hadn’t gone through all the reports and information he needed to review. Organization wasn’t his strongest skill. He was going to need help. He moved a pile of disordered papers to another area of his desk, then more to another spot.

Disorganization was one trait he’d gotten from his parents that he couldn’t seem to shake. It was almost ingrained. When they got involved in one of their schemes, record-keeping was part of the process and they didn’t do it well. Soon they had no idea how deep they were in financially and couldn’t put their hands on the documentation to figure it out.

When his father discovered the severity of it he would go out and get an hourly job. Then when the next big moneymaker scam came along his father would quit his job and devote all his time to building the new “business.” Sean had heard all his life, “This will be it. We’ll be on the road to riches this time.” That time had yet to come.

He’d left all he could of that behind, except for being unorganized. He needed someone good with written documentation computer skills to assist him. The sooner the better. He only had a few weeks until the submission must be flawless.

Ms. Marcum had done another superb job with the latest reports. She seemed efficient. In her last email she’d offered her assistance. Would she consider helping him out for a few weeks? There was only one way to find out.

Ms. Marcum, I have a proposition for you.

Sean chuckled. Maybe those weren’t the correct words.

Ms. Marcum, would you be able to come by my office around three p.m. tomorrow? I have an opportunity that I would like to discuss with you in person.

S. Donavon

Hopefully she would agree to their meeting and his need for help. He couldn’t allow her to refuse him. How was he going to get the work done if she didn’t assist him? His office staff was already busy enough. There was no time to hire someone else to handle it. He was reaching desperation level. Somehow he must gain her cooperation.

CHAPTER TWO

IT WAS LATE in the morning when Cynthia opened the email she’d saved for last.

She responded.

I’m sorry but I have another appointment at three. Can we make it four?

After a moment’s hesitation she sent the email out. She was tempted to rearrange her entire afternoon. She really needed this job. But Rick’s meeting with the scholarship council was too important to miss.

She didn’t have to wait long for a reply.

I have rounds at four. How about we make it five? I won’t keep you long, I promise.

S. Donavon.

Seconds later she typed: See you at five.

* * *

That afternoon Cynthia entered the glass doors of a modern single-story brick building. It was located across the street from the large multistory hospital in the center of Birmingham. A free-standing sign indicated the building contained Dr. Donavon’s office. It was late in the day and only a few cars occupied the parking lot. Most of the patients would have been seen and the staff was probably leaving for the day.

She’d only been here one other time when she’d signed her employment papers. Transcribers worked behind the scenes and Cynthia liked it that way. She didn’t have to leave home and that suited her lifestyle perfectly. That way she was able to work her schedule around her brothers’ needs. It was highly unusual for a doctor to call her to his office. So why was Dr. Donavon doing so now?

Doctors’ pictures were usually posted on their websites but she’d made it a point not to look for Dr. Donavon’s because she didn’t want to ruin her fantasy image of him. His appearance didn’t matter anyway; this certainly wasn’t a social call.

With a flutter of trepidation in her belly, she stepped to the reception window. Would she be disappointed when she saw him? The young woman with platinum blond hair and bright red fingernails behind the glass looked at her. She asked with an edge to her voice, “May I help you?”

“I’m here to see Dr. Donavon,” Cynthia said in a firm tone.

The woman looked down her nose at her as if Cynthia had requested the impossible. “Is he expecting you?”

“Yes. I’m Cynthia Marcum. The transcriptionist. He told me to be here at five.”

“Let me see if he’s still here.” She picked up the phone and spoke to the person on the other end. Putting it down, she said briskly, “He’ll be right out. Just have a seat.”

Cynthia did as she suggested. She studied the functional room containing metal chairs and a few end tables. There was a magazine rack on the wall and a fake potted plant in the corner. It was quiet and there was only a lone overhead light on. Minutes later the woman switched off the lights over her desk, came out from behind it and headed out of the front door without a glance in Cynthia’s direction.

Was she alone in the building with just Dr. Donavon? What did she really know about the man? Even doctors could be ax murderers. She should have said no to meeting him after-hours. Waited until morning. She hoped she was a good judge of character even if her decision was based on emails alone. Shaking the idea off, she nervously shifted in her chair. She’d been so caught up in her fantasy she hadn’t been thinking straight. Now she was letting her nerves get the better of her. Surely there was someone else in the office as well.

Cynthia watched the minute hand move for five agonizingly slow minutes before sounds of footsteps coming in her direction caught her attention.

What did he look like? The flutter increased, along with her curiosity. Steps grew closer. The quivering grew to a swirling. She felt as if she were going to meet her favorite rock star. After the way she’d pictured him maybe she was.

Cynthia shook her head and glanced at the ceiling to regain rational thought. She stood. No one could be that good-looking no matter how wonderful his voice was.

She was wrong. On both counts. The man towering over her was at least six feet tall. With dark hair and crystal-blue eyes, he would make any woman swoon. The fact he still wore a white lab coat over a blue-checked button-down shirt and tan pants didn’t hurt his look of authority. He was glossy-magazine-front-cover gorgeous!

Her breath caught as she stared. His looks matched his voice and then some. And she was making a fool of herself right in front of him.

He smiled while giving her an odd look. “Ms. Marcum?”

Cynthia let out the breath she’d been holding. When had she ever been so focused on someone’s looks? She wasn’t that shallow. Still this man had her gaping at him. She needed to find a flaw if she was going to regain her sanity. She croaked, “Yes.” Then cleared her throat and continued. “Please call me Cynthia. I’m not much on formal names.”

“Good. Come with me. We can talk in my office.”

He started down the hall. When she didn’t follow immediately he stopped and looked at her. “Ms. Marcum. Cynthia?”

“I’m sorry. I’m coming.” She needed to get control. Stop embarrassing herself.

She followed him along a hall with exam rooms on both sides. She saw a nurse standing at a counter at the end of the hall. With relief, she saw they weren’t alone after all.

He stood beside an open doorway, inviting her to enter by extending a hand. He joined her, making the area suddenly feel small. Moving behind a desk that had seen better days and was piled high with paper stacks, he remained on his feet. Positioned on her side of the desk was a straight-backed wooden chair that reminded her of one in the library of her elementary school and appeared just as inviting.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Cynthia. Please have a seat.” He took the chair on squeaky wheels behind his desk. It was by no means the latest model either.

Cynthia sat, then glanced around. This might be the saddest doctor’s office she’d ever seen. She’d envisioned a businesslike area filled with books, which this one was, but it also had a feeling of neglect. Somehow she had expected more. Minimal yes, but not so outdated and drab. There were no pictures of a wife or children, not even a dog. No indication of a hobby. No curtains hung above the utilitarian blinds. The one lone lamp on the desk only added to the sadness of the cluttered atmosphere. The space was an enormous contrast to the outstandingly handsome man sitting in front of her. What had happened to him for him to keep his personal space so...impersonal?

Did his home look this needy as well? Didn’t he have a wife, a mother, or at least a girlfriend who could help him out with decorating? Every fiber in her wanted to buy him an antique desk and two tufted chairs. He needed her plant worse than she did.

Dr. Donavon cleared his throat and her attention returned to him. Those piercing blue eyes watched her closely. “You don’t like my office?”

He was observant. She needed to make sure she schooled her emotions from showing too much on her face. “I just hadn’t expected your office to look...um...like this. Sometimes I let my imagination carry me away.”

Dr. Donavon leaned back in his chair giving her a direct look with a small smile on his lips. “How’s that?”

She glanced around again. “I don’t know. I just thought it might not be so uh...” How could she say this without sounding critical? “Maybe have more chrome and glass.”

“I’m not really into chrome and glass.”

Cynthia gave a nervous laugh. “I’m not either. Please forget I said anything. You didn’t ask me here to insult your décor or to be your interior decorator.”

“My apologies as well. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot. You’re not what I expected either.”

“I hope you aren’t disappointed.” She wasn’t sure where this meeting was going.

“I would say quite to the contrary. You’re a pleasant surprise.” He continued to study her.

Cynthia didn’t know how to react to that statement. What had he expected? Was he flirting with her? It had been so long since a man had, she wasn’t sure she would recognize it when it happened. “Thank you, I think.”

“It was a compliment. I’m being rude and have embarrassed you. That’s certainly not what I intended, especially when I need to ask you a favor.”

“Ask me? A f-favor?” she stammered.

“Yes. I’d like you to consider helping me get the final draft of my grant proposal together.” He gave her a charming smile. “I could really use your help.” He made a point of indicating the stacks on his desk.

“Me? Why me? I don’t know anything about putting together a grant.”

“Maybe not, but I can help with that. From what I can tell you have good organizational skills on the computer and you’re a fast and accurate typist. I need those skills to get this grant out on time. If you’ll accept my proposition, I’ll pay you time and half.”

Heat crept up the back of her neck. She was sure he hadn’t realized what he’d said about a proposition but she had. After fantasizing about him, and now seeing that he was devastatingly attractive, her mind was coming up with crazy ideas. Cynthia shifted in her seat. She must be careful not to make a fool of herself. “I’ve already agreed to do your transcription.”

“Yes, but I need someone who can help me get my grant reports in order. Put the documents into the format and order required ASAP.”

“I appreciate your offer. But I’m going to have to decline it. I have my family to consider and my other clients. My time is pretty tight as it is.” She watched as his smile disappeared. For some reason she hated being the one who made it vanish.

He coaxed, “I’m sure your husband would understand that it’s only for a few weeks. And I don’t think it would be so time-consuming you couldn’t do your other dictation.”

“I don’t have a husband.” Was there a hint of relief on his face when she said that? “I’m responsible for my brothers.”

He leaned forward. “How old are they?”

“In their late teens.”

He looked mystified. “Wouldn’t they understand you being away some?”

“They probably wouldn’t notice but I would.” He certainly wasn’t going to give up easy.

“What if I pay you double time?” He crossed his arms on his desk.

Her eyes widened. There were hundreds of things she could use that money for. But money wasn’t the most important thing in the world. It was nothing like being there for Rick at his games or being around when Mark needed to talk. Particularly with his current frame of mind. His schooling was too important for him to drop out. “I’m sorry. I’m still going to have to say no.”

“Is there any way I could convince you?”

“Not now. I’m sorry I can’t help you.” She looked at her phone. “I really need to go. I’m supposed to be across town in thirty minutes.”

“Then you must go,” he said in a businesslike tone that still sounded special wrapped in his beautiful baritone.

Cynthia put her purse under her arm and stood.

He leaned back in his chair but didn’t come to his feet.

She offered her hand. “I really am sorry.”

He stood and took it. His was large and enveloped hers, making her feel tiny yet somehow protected instead of smothered. He said, “I am too. If you change your mind just let me know.”

Cynthia nodded. He let her hand go. She felt the loss of warmth immediately. Her knees shook slightly as she walked down the hall. No man should have that kind of effect on her just by touching her hand.

Sean watched Cynthia’s ash-brown hair swing across the tops of her shoulders as she walked out of the door. She certainly wasn’t the frumpy middle-aged woman he’d anticipated. Instead she was a young vibrant woman who knew her own mind. She was far more interesting than he’d expected. What compelled such a striking woman to become a transcriptionist who stayed behind the scenes? Somehow it didn’t fit her. She looked more suited for the front desk.

Cynthia might be short in stature but she was tall in backbone. He like the way her green eyes expressed her feelings. They’d certainly made it clear how she felt about his office. She’d bitten the corner of her mouth as she’d thought about how she was going to answer his questions. He had to give her credit for the diplomatic way she’d done so. Her actions had been endearing, yet telling. He had the feeling she’d found humor in the situation by the small laugh lines that gathered around her eyes.

Sean walked down the hall toward the front of the building, intent on locking the door. The back door opened and shut. His nurse was leaving for the evening but he would be staying for some time to come. As he reached the lobby Cynthia entered.

“Can I change my mind about that job?” There was a note of desperation in her voice.

He was surprised by her question but grateful she was reconsidering. “Sure.”

“When would you like me to start?”

He smiled. “Now would be great.”

Her face took on an astonished look. “I can’t—”

“I don’t expect you to start this minute. I’ll send you more dictation and some information about what I want. For the most part you should be able to do the work from home but it may require you coming here a few times.”

Cynthia nodded. “Okay. That should work.”

“May I ask what changed your mind?” She’d seemed firm about her decision earlier.

“I just got a call from my brother and he’s having car trouble. This is the second time in two weeks.” She shrugged. “Turns out I need the extra money.”

“I’m sorry about your car issues.” He was but he was also thankful he’d be getting her assistance. “Can I do anything to help out? Do you need me to call a tow truck?”

She shook her head. “Thank you, but I’m fine for now. Mark has a friend who’ll tow the car to our house. Please send over what you need me to do and I’ll get started on it right away.”

Sean watched her walk toward an older-model car. It was a basic four-door vehicle, practical and efficient. Not unlike his. Cynthia seemed to face her financial responsibilities head-on. That was something he could admire.

* * *

The next morning Cynthia checked her email.

Cynthia,

I wanted to make sure you got the car home with no trouble. Please let me know if you need any help. I have a great mechanic and I’d be glad to call him.

I have attached some guidelines for the grant and some files that need to be included. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Again, I appreciate your help.

Sean

She appreciated Sean’s offer. The more dealings she had with Dr. Donavon, the better she liked him.

Cynthia noticed he’d signed off as “Sean.” She’d told him to call her Cynthia so her guess was he was reciprocating. Did he want her to call him by his first name? He’d not suggested that when they had met. Now all of a sudden he was using his given name. She shouldn’t be making such a big deal of it but she liked the idea of them being on a first-name basis.

Cynthia practiced saying his name out loud. It suited him. After all her daydreaming she had to keep in mind that they were merely employee and employer. She didn’t need to read more into a simple signature than there was. Still she couldn’t ignore the extra clip-clop of her heart when she reread the note.

All these speculations and she still didn’t really know anything about the man. He could be married for all she knew. But he hadn’t been wearing a ring. But nowadays that didn’t mean anything. She hoped he was married. At least she could put an end to her romantic illusions. The reality of a romance between them was laughable. She really needed to get out more. Meet some men. She was spending too much time in a dream world wrapped in a sultry male voice. Reality was what she should concentrate on. Like her brothers attending college and the cost of them staying there or the problem of repairing Mark’s car.

Over the next few days she worked hard to get Sean’s reports typed and to keep up with her other transcriptions. To her surprise, she enjoyed working on the grant. Found it fascinating. At first it took a great deal of effort to understand what was necessary but she soon became caught up in the brilliant work that Sean was doing. Her being impressed was an understatement.

On Tuesday afternoon, she headed for Sean’s office to deliver the work she had finished. Rick’s eighteenth birthday was in two days and she was going to take some time off to get ready for it. Pulling into a parking spot, she tried to convince herself she was making the extra effort to turn the reports in just because of the party planning but that wasn’t true. She secretly hoped she might see Sean. Especially since she’d taken more care with her hair than usual, not to mention she was now putting on lip gloss.

This is ridiculous.

Cynthia picked up the file and without hesitation got out of the car. She merely had to go in, hand over the papers, return to her vehicle and drive away. She wasn’t some teenage girl trying to contrive a way to see a boy. Those days were long gone. Still that tingle of anticipation filled her.

She pulled open the glass door of the lobby, entered and purposely walked to the window. “I’m Cynthia. The transcriptionist. Please see that Dr. Donavon gets these.”

The same receptionist who had been there days before took the file. “I will.”

Cynthia turned to leave as a middle-aged man entered the lobby from the hallway. Sean was behind him. Her body heated as if she’d gotten caught doing something she shouldn’t.

His smile implied he was glad to see her. She returned it.

Sean patted the man on the back. “Good to see you’re doing so well, Ralph. I hope to see you again soon.” The man headed toward the exit and Sean strolled over to her. “Hi, Cynthia.”

“I brought you some reports and the first ten pages of the grant to review.” She pointed toward the desk. “I gave them to your receptionist.”

“Great. I’ll give them a look and let you know if there’re any changes to be made. I appreciate you bringing them by.”

His voice was even more captivating when she heard it in person. She had to do something more than stand there looking at him. She swallowed. “You’re welcome. Well, I’d better go.”

“I’ll be in touch,” Sean said.

And I’ll be looking forward to it. Somehow she managed to keep herself from saying it out loud.

* * *

The two days she’d taken off turned into busy ones. She’d made arrangements for Rick’s birthday and finished some chores she’d been putting off. Everything was set for the party now. All she had to do was load the car and head to the paintball field. She was expecting about twenty teenagers, both boys and girls. Normally she, Mark and Rick celebrated with cake and ice cream with a few friends but this was a special birthday. Now that she had some extra money from overtime she had decided to splurge a little.

With a couple of hours before they needed to leave, Cynthia decided to check her email and review what she would need to get done the next day. She opened her account.

With a giddy feeling she shouldn’t be experiencing, she saw one from Sean. She opened it.

Hi Cynthia,

I hope you’re having a good day. I’ve had something come up and I need to get Charles Chadworth’s surgical report. It’s particular to the grant and I need a colleague to review it. He’s leaving on a two-week vacation tomorrow but has said he can look at it tonight. Do you have it completed?

I know this is above and beyond the call of duty, but could you have it ready for a messenger at four p.m.? I must get it to him right away.

Thank you.

Sean

She checked the time. There was just enough for her to type it but no one would be here to give it to the messenger.

She replied.

I can get it typed, but today is my brother’s birthday and I’m giving him a party. I won’t be here for the messenger when he comes.

Since it’s personal information I’m not comfortable leaving it on the porch unattended... I could bring it by your office around nine tonight. Would that do?

Cynthia

Half an hour later she had the report finished and another email from Sean popped into her box.

That’s not going to work. I really need it sooner.

Let me see if I can find someone in the office who can come get it.

I’ll get back to you.

Sean

She couldn’t miss Rick’s party or be late. She was the hostess. Had the responsibility of being the designated adult in charge. At one time that title made her feel important. Now it was more of a weight on her shoulders.

Cynthia checked the time. She needed to get going but she also needed to wait to hear from Sean. Ten minutes went by before he replied.

No messenger can make it and there’s no one in the office who can do it either.

Can I meet you somewhere and pick it up?

Sean

Cynthia slipped the two sheets of paper into a protective envelope. The report really must be important if he was willing to go to the trouble of personally picking it up.

You’ll need to come to 5182 Falcon Road, Bessemer, Al.

Sean replied right away.

I’ll see you there.

Thanks for doing this on such short notice.

Sean

Cynthia couldn’t help the excitement bubbling in her. She was going to see Sean again. It had been a long time since she’d acted like a woman excited about seeing a man.

* * *

Sean couldn’t believe it when he pulled up to the address that Cynthia had given him. It was a large field full of building façades, lean-tos and barrels spaced out at intervals. In a grassy area beside a building no larger than a backyard garden shed, vehicles were parked in a line. Most were jacked-up trucks with the occasional car mixed in.