Ripper

Harley -

I wave a goodbye to Toni through the double glass doors and she waves back, blowing me a kiss over her shoulder. I smile to myself and turn to keep walking through the foyer towards the elevator and call it down.

She has been going on non stop about this new app she has for casual hookup’s. Although Toni is absolutely stunning, people often mistake her for being straight and she’s found living in NewYork somewhat challenging when it comes to the dating pool. I suppose I can see why some people mistake her for being straight at a first glance. She’s tall, slender and manicured head to toe with her glossy blonde blown out waves and crystal blue eyes that sparkle in the sun. She is of course every man’s dream woman, a real trophy wife sort that dresses impeccably well and is always presented just right but sadly for the men of this city or any other for that matter, she just doesn’t swing that way.

Apparently she’s met a few casual “lovers” (as she calls them) on this app she keeps blabbing about and is determined that I get myself onto it too.

I haven’t been with anyone since Justin but honestly? The vibrator in my draw does a better job than he ever did. Our relations were dull and centered solely around him, I could never get what I actually wanted. I wasn’t exactly looking for romance in my relationships, it’s not my fault that I liked what I liked. I liked something that thrilled me and got me excited, teased me until I couldn’t take it anymore. That was what I craved but still never found.

The elevator pings upon arrival and I flinch a little. Damn my thoughts. Straightening my blouse, the doors open and I step in, clicking the button for the 9th floor and wait.

It makes a stop on the 5th and I groan inwardly. Already knowing what’s coming as the doors slide open.

“Harley.” My boss’s voice rumbles my name through his chest and I smile politely.

“Good morning Mr. James.”

He rolls his eyes a little and smiles as he steps in. He’s asked me to call him Peter since I started working here a year ago but I just can’t bring myself to do it. The way he looks at me is bad enough, let alone calling him by his name. Some people may get suspicious.

Don’t get me wrong, Peter is HOT. He’s got that sort of shaggy look that clashes against the suit and tie he wears daily but I have never and will never cross that line between boss and employee. The fantasy is hot but I could never come back to work here if that line was crossed. It’s just one of my personal rules I suppose that you don’t mix business and pleasure. Although Peter certainly tries. On many occasions.

“Any plans tonight Harls?” He asks casually while leaning back against the side wall of the elevator and I fight the urge to roll my eyes.

“Yeah actually. My friend and I are celebrating.” I say cheerfully and he cocks his head aside with a raised brow.

“What’s the occasion?” He asks.

“She got a promotion last week.”

“Congratulations…” he drawls. “Where you two heading?” He fishes and is not subtle about his advances at all.

“Not sure yet. See where the night takes us I guess.” I smile and am thankfully saved by the bell as we arrive at our floor. He graciously holds his hand out to gesture me to exit first but I know his real intentions are less honourable, all he wants to do is stare at my ass while following me through the office.

Thankfully, as I get off, he’s stopped by one of the board members before he can follow after me and I make a quick escape to my desk.

“Morning Harley.” My desk mate says to me and I look over my computer screen as I drop into my chair with a sigh.

“Morning Sally.” I smile at her. She’s a middle aged woman with short chocolate hair cut into a bob around her jaw, she’s a little on the heavier side but it’s a bonus she always has snacks in her draw to help with her Hypoglycaemia, although she’s more than happy to share.

We’re quiet as Peter walks past and offers me a cheeky smile, despite the board trustee walking beside him as they head into his office, thankfully closing the door.

“Ugh. Leach.” Sally cusses under her breath and I chuckle while flicking on my computer. “You’d think he’d learn by now after the amount of harassment cases he’s had.” She rolls her eyes and I try not to spit out my sip of tea from laughter. She smiles at me with a wink and sneakily passes me a Snickers bar under my computer screen. I smile and mouth her a thank you as we get to work.

Stepping out of the office after a long day is the best feeling ever. Sally came down with me as my “office guard dog” as she calls it. Whenever she’s around, it tends to keep Peter away and I’m always grateful for that. I say goodbye outside the front doors as she hails down a cab for herself and waves me off. I sigh in content and head up the street to go and meet Toni.

We’d agreed to meet up straight after work for drinks at our favourite bar, although I was not going to be telling my boss that little truth.

I walk a couple of blocks, enjoying the sounds of the busy city bustling around me. Horns honking in fits of road rage, the shouting of people from across the street and the clack of heels along the sidewalk. I LOVED NewYork. Some people enjoy the peace and quiet but I loved the busyness of this city. There was never a dull moment around here and that was what I loved the most.

Me and Toni spent the first few months after we moved here, just exploring the city and the life it held. We found several, cool little incognito spots hidden in alleyway’s and backstreet’s that you would never expect to lead anywhere. The one time I still swear to this day that we almost walked into a mobsters den, although Toni just tells me I watch way too much tv.

She might be right.

Pushing open the door to the cute little bar, I walk straight over to our designated table that we always sit at, to find her already there with a Martini in hand.

She beams brightly and holds up her glass as I weave between the tables towards her, where she stands to hook an arm around me and kiss my cheek. I slide into the booth with a sigh and grab my waiting Martini, just the way I like it and raise my glass up to her.

“Cheers!” I smile and she returns it as I down my drink in one and she laughs.

“Damn Harls. Rough day?” She chuckles and I roll my eyes, signaling the bartender for another round. “Creepy Pete?” She asks and I nod, playing with my olives around the glass before popping it into my mouth.

“Creepy Pete.” I concur and she nods putting her hand on mine.

“You know, with this promotion. I may be able to get an assistant? Why don’t you come and work for me?” She asks. I smile but shake my head. She knows I love my job.

“I don’t think that I can see myself writing a column about super cars.” I giggle and she laughs too. Toni works for a popular car magazine and has just been promoted to junior editor. You wouldn’t think it, looking at her and the pristine clothes she wears but she loves cars. Ask her anything and she’ll dive into the conversation with both feet. (I told you. She’s every man’s dream.) “besides, you know I love the magazine I edit now. It’s just Peter.” I sigh and she nods taking a sip of her fresh Martini.

“You should just fuck him and get it over with.” She teases and I blurt out a laugh. “I know, I know. You don’t mix work but gurl?! He’s still smoking hot.”

“He may be hot but he just comes off WAY too strong. Even if he wasn’t my boss… I still don’t think I could.”

“Fair enough.” She adds and takes another sip before looking around. I frown a little and look at her. She’s not telling me something.

“Spit it out.” I prod and she looks at me innocently. I lift a brow that says ‘I’m not falling for it’ and she caves.

“I have some more news…” she adds and I wait for her to continue. “My company want me to fly out to Brazil for 2 weeks.”

I gape and clutch her hand with mine.

“Oh my god! That’s amazing!” I gush and she brightens.

“Really?”

“Yes! Why wouldn’t it be?!”

Her lip curls in the corner as she looks at me.

“I just… didn’t want you to be alone.” I soften to her with a smile. “It’s why I thought you should maybe find someone to spend the time with…” she says suggestively and I sigh. She knows just how to get to me.

“Ok! Fine! You win!” I mock a scowl at her and slide my phone across the table. If it makes her happy to download it then she can. It doesn’t mean I actually have to use it but she doesn’t need to know that.

She taps my screen a few times and starts the download with a big cheesey grin plastered on her face.

“Now we just need a profile picture.” She smirks and orders another round of drinks. “But first? Let’s get hammered.” I laugh as our next round is brought to us and we drink the night away.